explain it simply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain it simply" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when asking someone to clarify a concept in an easy-to-understand manner. For example, "Can you explain it simply for those who are new to the topic?" Alternative expressions include "put it simply" and "make it clear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

When we hesitated, it did not explain; it simply repeated its orders, with greater ferocity.

The New Yorker

Just explain it simply and clearly in a way that doesn't raise questions in the interviewer's mind.

The Washington Post

Next to that picture is a quote from Einstein – "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough" – and the fact that they are based here, in a bewitchingly pretty Alpine resort, owes much to carrots being dangled too.

The Guardian - Sport

YOU'RE THROUGH TO THE QUICKFIRE ROUND!" Break out the 4pm wine box and explain it simply and calmly to your children: Mummy can't look after you right now because she's in the comments section of MailOnline calling a celebrity a bad parent.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To explain it simply: The posted rules on the beats of the Itchen where I fished were dry flies only, cast upstream; on the Taw any flies will do, in any direction, and until the end of April spinning tackle is permitted in pursuit of salmon.

The New York Times - Sports

You should be able to explain it simply and know every feature," she explained.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The Parexel literature had mentioned its possibility, but had explained it simply in terms of headache, nausea and possibly hives (itchy bumps).

The Guardian

She knows this, and explains it simply.

The New Yorker

Ms. Paciullo explained it simply: "I got my butcher.

The New York Times - Food

At a basic level, the book explains, it simply means "of the highest quality" or "better than".

The New Yorker

The strangeness of superposition is, as Deutsch explains it, simply "the phenomenon of physical variables having different values in different universes".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When explaining complex topics, use analogies or metaphors to help your audience grasp abstract concepts more easily. This technique can make your explanation more relatable and memorable.

Common error

Avoid adding unnecessary jargon or technical terms when trying to simplify something. Stick to clear, concise language that your audience can readily understand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain it simply" primarily functions as a request or instruction. It seeks to elicit a simplified and easily understandable version of information. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase is used in contexts demanding clarity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explain it simply" is a grammatically correct and relatively common expression used to request or instruct someone to provide a clear and easy-to-understand explanation. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase sees use across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. The essence is ensuring broad comprehension by avoiding jargon and over-complication. When using this phrase, remember that analogies and metaphors often help in making abstract concepts easier to grasp. While aiming for simplicity, avoid sacrificing essential details to prevent inaccuracies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Simplify the explanation

This alternative focuses on the action of simplifying the explanation itself.

Explain in simple terms

This alternative emphasizes the use of basic and uncomplicated language.

Give a simplified explanation

This alternative uses a noun phrase to request a simpler explanation.

Make the explanation simple

This alternative focuses on the desired state of the explanation being simple.

Break it down simply

This alternative suggests dissecting a complex topic into easier-to-understand parts.

Explain it clearly and concisely

This alternative emphasizes clarity and brevity in the explanation.

Offer a straightforward explanation

This alternative suggests providing an explanation that is direct and uncomplicated.

Put it in layman's terms

This alternative specifies explaining something in a way that someone without specialized knowledge can understand.

Provide a basic explanation

This alternative focuses on giving an explanation that covers the fundamental aspects of the topic.

Make it easy to understand

This alternative focuses on the accessibility and understandability of the explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "explain it simply" in a sentence?

You can use "explain it simply" when you want someone to clarify a concept in an easy-to-understand manner. For example, "Could you "explain it simply" so everyone can understand?"

What are some alternatives to "explain it simply"?

Alternatives include phrases like "simplify the explanation", "explain in simple terms", or "give a simplified explanation", depending on the context.

Is it always best to "explain it simply"?

While simplifying explanations is often beneficial, it's important to avoid oversimplification, which can lead to inaccuracies. Strive for clarity without sacrificing essential details.

What does Einstein's quote "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough" mean?

Einstein's quote suggests that true understanding of a subject allows one to articulate it in a straightforward manner. The ability to "explain it simply" reflects a deep comprehension of the core concepts.