a straightforward explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a straightforward explanation" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a clear and simple explanation that is easy to understand. You can use it in various contexts, such as: - "He provided a straightforward explanation of the complicated math problem, making it easier for the students to understand." - "The manual includes a straightforward explanation of how to assemble the furniture." - "The politician failed to give a straightforward explanation for their controversial decision, causing further confusion among the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I've been looking for such a straightforward explanation.

The Guardian

But Layla says there is a straightforward explanation.

The Guardian

The majority bypasses a straightforward explanation on its way to a circular one.

Cornell University

There is a straightforward explanation for the continued strength of the UK jobs market.

The Guardian - Business

Oil company executives see a straightforward explanation: a trend known as resource nationalism.

The New York Times

There is a straightforward explanation behind the seeming contradiction Mr. Kassar cites.

The New York Times

This, they said, has a straightforward explanation: the amount of traffic is simply a reflection of people's browsing habits.

MIT Technology Review

Sunny Mindel, the mayor's spokeswoman, said there was a straightforward explanation for the mayor's comments on the case.

The New York Times

A detailed thermal analysis offers a straightforward explanation of the correlation factor in terms of pulse duration.

Microelectronics Reliability

A streamliner rookie whose cockpit also includes aviation-style joysticks, DiSalvo has a straightforward explanation for the hand throttle.

The New York Times

If your spouse hates Brussels sprouts and you love them, there may be a straightforward explanation: a gene known as TAS2R38.

University of Pennsylvania

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, use "a straightforward explanation" to ensure your audience understands the core message without unnecessary complexity. This is especially useful in technical or complex subjects.

Common error

Avoid using overly complex language when a "a straightforward explanation" will suffice. Overcomplicating can lead to confusion and dilute your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a straightforward explanation" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject complement or object of a verb. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It points to an explanation that is direct, clear, and easy to understand.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

39%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a straightforward explanation" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that indicates a clear and uncomplicated reason or justification. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and appears frequently across news, scientific, and academic sources. For alternative phrasing, consider "a simple explanation" or "a clear explanation". When using this phrase, ensure you are providing clarity without oversimplifying the topic at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a simple explanation

Replaces "straightforward" with "simple", emphasizing the ease of understanding.

a clear explanation

Substitutes "straightforward" with "clear", focusing on the lack of ambiguity.

a simple and clear explanation

Combines "simple" and "clear" to reinforce the idea of ease of understanding.

an easy explanation

Replaces "straightforward" with "easy", highlighting the accessibility of the explanation.

a plain explanation

Uses "plain" instead of "straightforward", suggesting an uncomplicated and direct account.

a direct explanation

Emphasizes the lack of indirectness by using "direct" in place of "straightforward".

an uncomplicated explanation

Replaces "straightforward" with a more verbose "uncomplicated", stressing the absence of complexity.

an understandable explanation

Highlights the ability to be understood by using "understandable".

a concise explanation

Focuses on brevity by using "concise" instead of "straightforward".

an accessible explanation

Suggests that the explanation is readily available and easy to grasp, using "accessible" instead of "straightforward".

FAQs

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

You can use "a straightforward explanation" to introduce a clear and uncomplicated reason or justification for something. For example, "There is "a straightforward explanation" for the increase in sales: our marketing campaign was highly successful."

What's an alternative to saying "a straightforward explanation"?

Alternatives include "a simple explanation", "a clear explanation", or "an easy explanation". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a straightforward explanation" formal or informal?

"A straightforward explanation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality makes it versatile for various types of communication.

When is it best to use "a straightforward explanation" over other similar phrases?

Use "a straightforward explanation" when you want to emphasize the clarity and directness of the explanation, avoiding any implication of oversimplification. It's ideal when presenting facts or reasons in an unbiased manner.