a plain explanation of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a plain explanation of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to describe a straightforward or uncomplicated clarification of a topic or concept. Example: "The teacher provided a plain explanation of the scientific principles behind the experiment, making it easy for the students to understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

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

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

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

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

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

BMC Geriatrics

Paul Krugman, for example, would have been proud of Maddow's detailed, plain-English explanation of why economic stimulus is far better served by creating jobs than by the Feds just handing out tax cuts.

Huffington Post

This is plain filibustering and it is a plain abuse of the democratic process' [ 20].

BMC Health Services Research

like a plain dish of starch.

WikiHow

Get a plain bit of paper.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ visuals, such as diagrams or charts, to supplement your "a plain explanation of" complex concepts, as visual aids can significantly enhance understanding.

Common error

Avoid adding unnecessary jargon or complex sentence structures when providing "a plain explanation of" something. Simplicity is key to effective communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a plain explanation of" functions as a noun phrase that introduces or refers to a clear and easily understandable account of something. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a plain explanation of" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce or describe an easily understandable clarification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general informational content. For alternatives, consider using "a simple explanation of" or "a clear explanation of" to maintain clarity. When using this phrase, avoid jargon and prioritize simplicity to ensure your explanation is accessible to your intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a simple explanation of

Replaces "plain" with "simple", suggesting ease of understanding.

a clear explanation of

Uses "clear" to emphasize the lack of ambiguity in the explanation.

an easy to understand explanation of

More explicitly states the explanation's comprehensibility.

a straightforward explanation of

Highlights the direct and uncomplicated nature of the explanation.

a basic explanation of

Implies the explanation covers fundamental aspects without unnecessary details.

an accessible explanation of

Focuses on the ease with which the explanation can be understood by a wide audience.

a layperson's explanation of

Specifies that the explanation is intended for someone without specialized knowledge.

a non-technical explanation of

Indicates the explanation avoids technical jargon.

a concise explanation of

Emphasizes the brevity and succinctness of the explanation.

a user-friendly explanation of

Highlights the ease of use and understanding of the explanation.

FAQs

What's the difference between "a plain explanation of" and "a detailed explanation of"?

"A plain explanation of" aims for simplicity and easy understanding, while "a detailed explanation of" delves into specifics and intricacies. The choice depends on the audience and the depth of understanding required.

How can I ensure my explanation is "plain" enough?

Avoid jargon, use short sentences, and define any potentially unfamiliar terms. Test your explanation on someone unfamiliar with the topic and ask for feedback to see if they understand it.

What are some synonyms for "plain" in "a plain explanation of"?

Alternatives include "simple", "clear", "straightforward", or "basic". Choose the word that best fits the specific context and emphasizes the desired level of clarity.

Is "a plain explanation of" suitable for all audiences?

While generally useful, "a plain explanation of" might not be appropriate for experts or audiences already familiar with the subject matter. In such cases, a more detailed or technical explanation may be more suitable.