explain simply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain simply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when requesting someone to provide a straightforward or uncomplicated explanation of a topic. Example: "Can you explain simply how photosynthesis works for someone who has no background in biology?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

If the military or police authorities interrupted, the villagers would explain simply: "Soa Sambat" — Sunday soam.

The New York Times - Travel

"I wanted to join the trade union movement because I wanted to advance the conditions of the working classes," McMullen would explain simply.

The Guardian

Professor Neil Gregor from Southampton University says the footage of the flag in particular is easy to explain, simply because the Nazi banner was the national flag of Germany and protocol dictated that it be flown at certain events, such as at football matches or, as in the video, of the burial of German Leopold von Hoesch.

Independent

But the letter his wife had left for him five days after the earthquake was different: "I am never coming back," she had written, and gone on to explain simply but clearly why she no longer wanted to live with Komura.

The New Yorker

As such, the surface will smooth as it is etched, and this would explain simply enough why polishing works.

Journal of Mathematics in Industry

This involves a lot of transparency on what you do with this data, which you should explain simply and clearly, with an easy way to opt-out later.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Beaugé explains simply: "Hats are tricky.

The New York Times

'The soldiers,' he explains, simply.

The Guardian - Music

"I jump out," Mr. Kee explains simply.

The New York Times - Arts

Turne's inquisitive nature is explained simply.

The Guardian - Music

Grieving, he explains simply, is personal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explain simply", ensure that the language you use is accessible to your intended audience. Avoid jargon or technical terms that they might not understand.

Common error

Avoid over-simplifying complex topics to the point where the explanation becomes misleading or inaccurate. Strive for clarity without sacrificing essential details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain simply" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying the verb "explain". It specifies the manner in which the explanation should be delivered, emphasizing clarity and a lack of complexity. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable request.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explain simply" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to request a clear and straightforward explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. While not extremely common, it finds usage across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, prioritize clarity and accessibility for your audience, avoiding over-simplification. Alternatives include "explain clearly" or "describe plainly". Remember to tailor your explanation to the intended audience for maximum comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explain clearly

Focuses on clarity in the explanation, emphasizing understandability.

describe plainly

Emphasizes straightforward description without unnecessary detail.

clarify concisely

Highlights brevity and clarity in making something understandable.

elucidate directly

Stresses a direct and clear manner of making something understandable.

present straightforwardly

Emphasizes the directness and lack of complication in the presentation of information.

detail uncomplicatedly

Focuses on providing details in an easy-to-understand way.

articulate accessibly

Highlights making something understandable to a broad audience.

outline basically

Focuses on providing the foundational elements of an explanation.

summarize succinctly

Emphasizes a brief and clear summary.

interpret intuitively

Focuses on providing an interpretation that is easy to grasp.

FAQs

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

You can use "explain simply" when you want someone to provide a straightforward and uncomplicated explanation of a topic. For example: "Could you "explain simply" the concept of quantum entanglement?"

What are some alternatives to "explain simply"?

Some alternatives to "explain simply" include "explain clearly", "describe plainly", and "clarify concisely", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always better to "explain simply"?

While it's often beneficial to "explain simply", the best approach depends on the audience and the complexity of the topic. Sometimes, a more detailed explanation is necessary to ensure full understanding. Over-simplification can lead to inaccuracies.

What is the difference between "explain simply" and "explain in detail"?

"Explain simply" focuses on providing a straightforward and easy-to-understand explanation, while "explain in detail" involves providing a thorough and comprehensive explanation, covering all aspects of the topic.