a simplistic explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a simplistic explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an explanation that is overly simple and may not capture the complexity of the subject matter. Example: "While the teacher provided a simplistic explanation of the theory, the students needed a more detailed understanding to grasp the concept fully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

• To the Editor: John Tierney provides a simplistic explanation for the gender gap in science, engineering and math, but research and real events are not so simple.

The New York Times

It must be mob mentality.' " But he said the theory that people in mobs become mindless had been widely discredited, and he warned that focusing on such a simplistic explanation would prevent an important national discussion about the underlying causes of the riots.

The New York Times

Smart meters do more than just automatically turn up or down your heat, which is a simplistic explanation that is used pretty often.

TechCrunch

But the researchers suggest there is not a simplistic explanation for this success - and that family background and parental involvement in choices about education is very significant.

BBC

That is a simplistic explanation.

Los Angeles Times

Alexander at his death, in a simplistic explanation, had four successors, the one who acquired Egypt was named Ptolemy, the very one who Alexander had given his daughter to.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

However, the opposing effects of dopaminergic agonists (improve RLS, provoke migraine premonitory symptoms) and antagonists (improve migraine, provoke drug-induced akathisia) in the two conditions would seem to negate any simplistic explanation at the level of neurotransmitter release or receptor sensitivity.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

"And Maya took a very simplistic explanation of the problems between Sri Lanka's Sinhalese government and the Tamils.

The New York Times - Magazine

A less simplistic explanation for this phenomenon should allow us to pose other questions, for Haiti's passion for soccer retraces the very lines that define and connect our world.

Duke University

That's an overly simplistic explanation, but teams change their snap counts to try to catch defenses jumping.

The New York Times

However, the findings do suggest caution in establishing an overly simplistic explanation between death and the use of ESAs.

BMC Nephrology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a simplistic explanation", ensure you are providing constructive criticism. Offer a more nuanced perspective or elaborate on the complexities that the original explanation overlooks.

Common error

Avoid merely pointing out that an explanation is simplistic without providing a more comprehensive or nuanced alternative. Offer additional details, context, or counterarguments to enrich the discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a simplistic explanation" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun 'explanation'. It indicates a quality of the explanation, specifically that it is overly simplified or lacking in nuance. Ludwig's examples confirm this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a simplistic explanation" is a grammatically correct and usable expression employed to describe an explanation that lacks depth or nuance, often implying that it overlooks important complexities. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly found in News & Media and Science, signaling its utility in analytical and critical discussions. While direct alternatives like "an oversimplified explanation" exist, it's crucial to provide constructive criticism rather than solely dismissing an explanation as simplistic. By offering richer details and additional context, you elevate the conversation and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding. Ludwig confirms its common presence in News & Media and Science contexts, highlighting its role in analytical discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an oversimplified explanation

More explicitly points out the act of simplifying too much.

a reductionist explanation

Indicates an explanation that reduces a complex phenomenon to overly simple components.

a basic explanation

Replaces "simplistic" with "basic", implying a lack of complexity without necessarily being critical.

a facile explanation

Highlights the ease with which the explanation is offered, potentially implying a lack of effort or depth.

a streamlined explanation

Indicates the explanation is efficient, concise and simplified.

a superficial explanation

Emphasizes the lack of thoroughness in the explanation.

a shallow explanation

Similar to "superficial", but may also suggest a lack of understanding.

a thumbnail explanation

Refers to a very brief and concise explanation that captures only the essence.

a naive explanation

Implies that the explanation is unsophisticated and lacks awareness of potential complexities.

a crude explanation

Suggests a lack of refinement or precision in the explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a simplistic explanation" when you want to describe an explanation that doesn't fully capture the complexity of a topic. For example, "The initial hypothesis offered "a simplistic explanation" of the phenomenon, but further research revealed more intricate factors at play."

What are some alternatives to "a simplistic explanation"?

Alternatives include "a basic explanation", "a superficial explanation", or "an oversimplified explanation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a simplistic explanation"?

It's appropriate when you want to critique or highlight the lack of depth in a given explanation, often implying that it fails to address crucial details or complexities. Ensure you can offer a more comprehensive view or additional insights to justify the critique.

What's the difference between "a simple explanation" and "a simplistic explanation"?

"A simple explanation" suggests clarity and ease of understanding, while ""a simplistic explanation"" implies that the explanation is so basic that it misses important nuances or complexities. "Simplistic" often carries a negative connotation.