a plain explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a plain explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to describe an explanation that is simple, clear, and easy to understand. Example: "The teacher provided a plain explanation of the complex topic, making it accessible for all students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Cameron's influential role in determining what comes after the millennium development goals (MDGs) in 2015 makes the need for a plain explanation of the term important, the committee says in its latest report.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

A plain English explanation of what happens when a company pays an insurer to take over a pension plan is available here from the Pension Rights Center.

The New York Times

A plain language explanation of the study and a consent form were mailed or emailed to women who expressed interest.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

But when a firm is consistently out-of-consensus, they ought to be able to offer a plain-English explanation for what they're seeing that everyone else is missing.

The New York Times

The 52-page guidance offers a plain-spoken explanation of the law and hypothetical scenarios, intended to illustrate how information from criminal records can and cannot not be used in hiring decisions.

The New York Times

Product mangers (or other engineers on the product team) provide a plain-English explanation of what needs to be tested.

TechCrunch

By clicking on any of the categories below, you can link to a plain-language explanation of the applicable articles in the Convention.

Unicef

One of the most interesting remarks here is the universality of the genetic code (i.e., the constant correspondence between triplets and amino acids terms we can now understand thanks to Lockshin's plain explanations).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

To that end, in addition to a thoughtful, plain language explanation of the issues at hand and Aereo's stance, you'll also find copies of the existing decisions on the books regarding Aereo's service from lesser courts, as well as the company's own briefs, and the Amicus briefs of companies and advocacy organizations that support Aereo's argument.

TechCrunch

All potential participants will be provided with a plain language statement, and a detailed explanation of what participation in the study involves.

BMC Geriatrics

A plain chronology seems manageable.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or financial contexts, provide "a plain explanation" of terms and conditions to promote transparency and avoid potential misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid adding unnecessary details when offering "a plain explanation". The goal is clarity and conciseness, not exhaustive coverage. Focus on the core elements that facilitate understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a plain explanation" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or following a preposition. It describes the quality or nature of an explanation, emphasizing its simplicity and clarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable and accurate.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a plain explanation" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a clear and simple explanation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to emphasize the ease of understanding, making it valuable across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and professional settings. To enhance clarity, consider alternatives like "a straightforward explanation" or "a simple explanation", and ensure you avoid overcomplicating the explanation with unnecessary details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a straightforward explanation

Emphasizes directness and lack of complication in the explanation.

a simple explanation

Focuses on the ease of understanding the explanation.

a clear explanation

Highlights the absence of ambiguity in the explanation.

an easy to understand explanation

Stresses the accessibility of the explanation for a wide audience.

a lucid explanation

Implies a high degree of clarity and coherence in the explanation.

an accessible explanation

Highlights how readily available and comprehensible the explanation is.

an uncomplicated explanation

Focuses on the lack of complex elements within the explanation.

a simplified explanation

Suggests the explanation has been made less complex for easier understanding.

an elementary explanation

Conveys that the explanation is basic and introductory in nature.

an intuitive explanation

Emphasizes that the explanation is readily grasped without needing much reasoning.

FAQs

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

You can use "a plain explanation" to emphasize clarity and simplicity in your communication. For example, "The teacher provided a plain explanation of the theorem."

What are some alternatives to "a plain explanation"?

Alternatives include "a straightforward explanation", "a simple explanation", or "a clear explanation". Choose the one that best fits the context.

Is it always necessary to provide "a plain explanation"?

While not always necessary, providing "a plain explanation" is particularly useful when addressing complex or technical topics to ensure broader comprehension among your audience.

What makes an explanation "plain"?

An explanation is considered "plain" when it avoids jargon, uses simple language, and focuses on the essential concepts, making it easily understandable for a general audience.