A simple explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A simple explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to provide or request a straightforward and easy-to-understand clarification of a topic. Example: "Can you give me a simple explanation of how this process works?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A simple explanation for the result is suggested.

Surface and Coatings Technology

A simple explanation is usually best.

WikiHow

"There's a simple explanation.

The New York Times

Maybe there's a simple explanation.

The New Yorker

Sam has a simple explanation.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Catsimatidis, though, had a simple explanation.

The New York Times

His mother offered a simple explanation.

The New York Times

But, again, there was a simple explanation.

The New Yorker

thank u for such a simple explanation.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The authors have a simple explanation -- lobbying.

The New York Times

I'm sure there's a simple explanation".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a simple explanation" when you want to provide or request a clarification that avoids unnecessary complexity or jargon.

Common error

Avoid using "a simple explanation" when the subject matter requires a more nuanced and detailed discussion. Oversimplification can lead to inaccuracies or misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a simple explanation" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object of a verb. It describes the nature of an explanation, indicating that it is not complex or difficult to understand. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a simple explanation" is a frequently used phrase to denote a straightforward and easily understandable clarification. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and versatile. Predominantly found in news, media and scientific contexts, its purpose is to provide clarity and basic comprehension. While useful, it's important to avoid oversimplification when complex topics demand more nuance. Alternatives like "a clear explanation" or "a straightforward explanation" can be used for semantic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

An easy to understand explanation

Replaces "simple" with "easy to understand", emphasizing the clarity of the explanation.

A straightforward explanation

Uses "straightforward" instead of "simple", focusing on the directness of the explanation.

A clear explanation

Emphasizes the clarity of the explanation, replacing "simple" with "clear".

A basic explanation

Suggests the explanation covers fundamental aspects, using "basic" instead of "simple".

An elementary explanation

Implies the explanation is at a very introductory level, substituting "simple" with "elementary".

An uncomplicated explanation

Directly contrasts complexity, using "uncomplicated" as a substitute for "simple".

A plain explanation

Highlights the lack of complexity in the explanation, using "plain" instead of "simple".

A user-friendly explanation

Focuses on the accessibility of the explanation to the audience.

A concise explanation

Focuses on the brevity of the explanation, replacing "simple" with "concise".

A brief explanation

Similar to "concise", this emphasizes the short length of the explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "a simple explanation" in a sentence?

You can use "a simple explanation" to introduce a basic clarification of a topic, like in the sentence "Here's "a simple explanation" of how the process works".

What are some alternatives to "a simple explanation"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a clear explanation", "a straightforward explanation", or "an easy to understand explanation".

When is it appropriate to offer "a simple explanation"?

It's appropriate when introducing a topic to someone unfamiliar with it, or when clarifying a complex issue by breaking it down into basic components. Be aware that simple explanation can result in oversimplification though.

How does "a simple explanation" differ from a detailed explanation?

"A simple explanation" provides a basic overview, omitting complexities and nuances. A detailed explanation, on the other hand, explores the topic in depth, covering all relevant aspects and potential exceptions.