In simple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In simple" is not correct in English as it is incomplete.
It is likely intended to be part of a longer phrase, such as "in simple terms" or "in simple language," which can be used to clarify or simplify a concept. Example: "In simple terms, the process involves three main steps: planning, execution, and review."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In simple terms, they were probably right.

Independent

In simple plot terms, it's a winner.

The Guardian - Books

In simple terms, it is unnatural.

The New York Times

In simple terms, she finally understands love's meaning.

The Guardian - Books

In simple terms, there are two conflicting ideologies.

The Guardian - Opinion

"In simple terms, she's the greatest dog photographer there is".

The New Yorker

In simple terms, War Emblem has a libido problem.

The New York Times - Sports

In simple words, he was a man larger than life.

The New York Times

In simple words, this is a bad bill.

The Guardian

In simple terms, how do the programs work?

The New York Times

In simple terms, what has caused the chronic demand shortfall?

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use a complete phrase such as "in simple terms", "in simple language", or "in simple words" to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "In simple" alone. It's an incomplete phrase. Always complete it with a noun, adjective, or adverb to make a grammatically correct sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "In simple" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or clause by indicating the manner or means by which something is explained or understood. As Ludwig AI explains, it is usually part of a longer, complete phrase such as "in simple terms".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

13%

Huffington Post

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the fragment "In simple" appears frequently across various sources, it's grammatically incomplete. It necessitates completion with words like "terms", "language", or "words" to form a coherent and meaningful phrase. Ludwig AI confirms this, suggesting that "In simple" alone is not correct. Proper usage involves using complete phrases like "in simple terms" to clarify or simplify complex information, predominantly found in news and media contexts. To ensure clarity and grammatical correctness, always opt for the complete phrase instead of the fragment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In straightforward terms

Emphasizes clarity and directness in the explanation.

In plain language

Focuses on using easily understandable vocabulary.

In basic terms

Highlights the fundamental aspects of the explanation.

Simply put

Indicates a concise and easy-to-understand explanation.

To put it simply

Adds an introductory element, emphasizing simplification.

In layman's terms

Specifically targets an audience without specialized knowledge.

In a nutshell

Suggests a very brief and concise summary.

In short

Indicates a brief summary or conclusion.

To simplify

Highlights the act of making something less complex.

In essence

Focuses on the core or most important aspect.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use the phrase starting with "In simple"?

The phrase "In simple" is usually followed by a noun to form a complete phrase, such as "in simple terms", "in simple language", or "in simple words".

What can I say instead of "in simple terms"?

You can use alternatives like "in plain language", "simply put", or "in basic terms".

Is it grammatically correct to say just "In simple"?

No, saying just "In simple" is grammatically incomplete. It requires a noun or adjective to complete the phrase and convey a clear meaning. Examples are "in simple cases", "in simple models".

How does using "in simple language" differ from "in layman's terms"?

"In simple language" generally means using clear, straightforward vocabulary, while "in layman's terms" specifically implies explaining something to someone without specialized knowledge in the subject.