a simple explanation of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a simple explanation of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce a straightforward description or clarification of a topic or concept. Example: "In this article, I will provide a simple explanation of how photosynthesis works."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A simple explanation of quality, but one that makes perfect sense.

The Guardian - Travel

The words gave a simple explanation of what happened whilst keeping me glued to my seat.

The Guardian

Apple Responds >> Jeffrey Zeldman A simple explanation of how Apple responds to Adobe's "We Love Apple" advertising.

The Guardian - Tech

A simple explanation of the Ostwald colour system, with diagrams and illustrations on the colour wheel / by J. Scott Taylor.

Yale University

The neutron-capture processes appear to give a simple explanation of the magic-number abundance peaks mentioned earlier.

Britannica

The authors present a simple explanation of the findings on the RC circuit model based on well-established electromagnetic theory.

Mechatronics

A simple explanation of the phenomenon is given in a frame of the gradient-curvature drift model.

Advances in Space Research

Almost a decade before the property tax revolt that sparked measures like California's Proposition 13, Nader was offering a simple explanation of why residential taxes were so high.

The New York Times - Books

But they often need a simple explanation of, say, an elderly relative's condition, or they have disturbing symptoms and can't wait for an appointment".

The Guardian

If you're looking for a simple explanation of the trajectory of Smith's career, and that's probably a mistake, you could ascribe it to that family tragedy.

The Guardian

As is typical of Oliver's delivery, what begins as a simple explanation of facts grows louder and more urgent before escalating to a crescendo of silliness.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a simple explanation of", ensure the explanation that follows is genuinely easy to understand and avoids unnecessary jargon. Tailor the complexity of your explanation to your target audience.

Common error

Avoid over-simplifying complex topics to the point of inaccuracy. While aiming for clarity, ensure the core concepts are still accurately represented, even if simplified.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a simple explanation of" functions as a noun phrase that introduces and prepares the audience for a basic and easy-to-understand description or clarification of a concept, process, or phenomenon. As Ludwig AI says, it follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

3%

Science & Research

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a simple explanation of" is a widely used phrase to introduce an easily understandable clarification of a topic, suitable for various audiences and contexts. As Ludwig AI reports, the phrase is grammatically sound and is very common across News & Media, Scientific, and Academic domains. When crafting your own "simple explanation", ensure you are clarifying a concept without oversimplifying to the point of inaccuracy. Consider using alternatives like "an easy-to-understand explanation of" or "a clear account of" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

An easy-to-understand explanation of

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

A simplified version of

Directly states that the explanation has been made less complex, suitable for technical subjects.

A layman's terms description of

Explicitly targets a non-expert audience, ensuring the explanation is free of jargon.

A clear account of

Emphasizes clarity and precision in the explanation, suitable for formal contexts.

An elementary introduction to

Suggests a foundational level of explanation, suitable for beginners and introductory materials.

A straightforward breakdown of

Uses "breakdown" to imply a structured and analytical simplification of a complex topic.

An accessible interpretation of

Highlights the approachability of the explanation, making it suitable for a broad audience.

A basic rundown of

Uses "rundown" to suggest a concise and fundamental overview, suitable for informal contexts.

A user-friendly guide to

Frames the explanation as a practical tool, emphasizing ease of use and navigation.

A concise summary of

Focuses on brevity and essential information, ideal for overviews and introductions.

FAQs

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

You can use "a simple explanation of" to introduce a concept or topic that you will explain in an easy-to-understand way. For example, "Here is a simple explanation of quantum physics".

What can I say instead of "a simple explanation of"?

You can use alternatives like "an easy-to-understand explanation of", "a basic rundown of", or "a clear account of" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to provide "a simple explanation of" a complex topic?

While simplifying complex topics is often helpful, it's important to avoid oversimplification. Make sure the explanation remains accurate and doesn't distort the core concepts. Consider your audience and the level of detail they require.

How do I ensure my "simple explanation of" is effective?

Use clear and concise language, avoid jargon, and provide relevant examples. Test your explanation on someone unfamiliar with the topic to ensure they understand it.