at a simple level

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a simple level" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain something in a straightforward or basic manner, often to make a complex topic more accessible. Example: "At a simple level, photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

At the beginning, I said text-to-speech was "easy to do at a simple level".

The Guardian - Tech

At a simple level, there are three stages of compounds extracted from coffee.

The Guardian - Opinion

I did it because, at a simple level, I hated made-up names.

Independent

I did feel life was extremely unfair to many people and it was important that it was fairer and at a simple level, that's my interest in politics".

The Guardian - Film

At a simple level, though, the physicality of Blanchett's performance - skipping, hunched and skinny, frazzled by acid and amphetamines - is remarkable.

The Guardian

Bill Farman TTSt-to-speech (TTS) is easy to do at a simple level, and Texas Instruments started making speech synthesis chips – as used in its Speak & Spell toy – in the late 1970s.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

This reification process is often driven by the necessity to maintain increasingly complex data at a simpler level of representation where they remain intelligible for those who generate and use the data.

Plosone

At a simpler level of sophistication, Maxwell constraint counting (MCC) provides a rigorous lower bound for the number of internal degrees of freedom (DOF) within a body-bar network, and it is commonly employed to test if a molecular structure is globally under-constrained or over-constrained.

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

"At a very simple level, there is a desire to make things, to hold things in your hand, and [this partnership] is a come-one-come-all invitation to invention".

TechCrunch

This led him to design a rating scale that aimed to reflect how 'demented people have a catalog of symptoms and disabilities, and at a very simple level, those who are just starting with dementia don't have very many while those who are 2 3 years down the line have a lot' (Blessed interview, 2000: 88).

History of the Human Sciences

At a fairly simple level, aesthetic appreciation is expressed as approval of the manner in which a work has been accomplished, of its compliance with possibly unformulated but nevertheless well-understood standards.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a simple level" to introduce explanations that break down complex topics into more understandable components. This is especially effective in educational contexts or when addressing a non-expert audience.

Common error

Avoid using "at a simple level" excessively within the same piece of writing, as it can make the explanation seem condescending or overly simplistic. Ensure you build upon the initial simplification with more detailed information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a simple level" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause by specifying the degree of complexity or depth of understanding being presented. It indicates that the explanation or analysis is being offered in a basic, uncomplicated manner, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at a simple level" serves as a useful tool for introducing basic explanations, particularly in contexts where complex information needs to be made accessible. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and best used to preface uncomplicated analyses. While common in news and media as well as scientific discussions, it should be used judiciously in formal settings where greater precision might be expected. Remember, the key is to balance simplicity with accuracy, ensuring that the explanation remains informative without being misleading.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in simple terms

Focuses on using uncomplicated language.

on a basic level

Emphasizes the fundamental aspect of understanding.

in layman's terms

Highlights explaining something for a non-expert audience.

on a fundamental level

Stresses the essential or foundational aspect.

in a nutshell

Suggests a very concise and brief explanation.

in essence

Highlights the core or most important aspect.

basically speaking

Indicates a straightforward explanation.

in its simplest form

Focuses on reducing something to its most basic representation.

put simply

Emphasizes the act of making something easier to understand.

to put it briefly

Highlights conciseness and brevity in explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "at a simple level" in a sentence?

Use "at a simple level" to preface a basic explanation of something. For example, "At a simple level, photosynthesis is how plants create energy from sunlight."

What phrases are similar to "at a simple level"?

Alternatives include "in simple terms", "on a basic level", or "in layman's terms", depending on the specific context and audience.

Is it appropriate to use "at a simple level" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider whether a more precise or technical explanation would be more appropriate for your audience. In some formal contexts, "at a simple level" may be perceived as too informal.

What is the difference between "at a simple level" and "at a simplistic level"?

"At a simple level" suggests a basic but accurate explanation, while using "at a simplistic level" might imply that the explanation is oversimplified to the point of being misleading or inaccurate.