explain something simply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explain something simply" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to convey a concept or idea in an easy-to-understand manner. For example, "Can you explain the theory simply?" Alternative expressions include "clarify something clearly," "describe something plainly," and "make something easy to understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

If you can't explain something simply, you don't really understand it.

The New York Times

Some of the answer can be found in the old Einsteinian cliche: "If you can't explain something simply, you don't understand it well enough". Economics is clearly very difficult and solving its problems is an extremely demanding task, particularly for someone with no formal training like our dear chancellor.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's simply impossible to explain something as complex as cryptography to many users," he says.

The Guardian - Tech

"We've often said that there was no 'a-ha' moment – we were simply trying to explain something that we didn't understand.

Science Magazine

But I did want to explain something.

HuffPost

But the working definition of 'traumatic injury' might explain something.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

"Let me explain something.

The New Yorker

Those factors may explain something.

The Economist

"Let me explain something," he said.

The New York Times

"Let me explain something to you, Crystal.

The New Yorker

She wants to explain something.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase to signal mastery over a topic, as being able to strip away jargon often demonstrates a deeper understanding than using complex terminology.

Common error

Avoid assuming that to "explain something simply" always means using the fewest words possible. Sometimes a longer explanation with relatable analogies is 'simpler' for a listener than a short, abstract one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain something simply" functions as a transitive verb phrase modified by an adverb of manner. In Ludwig's database, it often appears in the predicate position or within conditional clauses. According to Ludwig AI, the structure is standard and highly versatile for both imperative commands and descriptive statements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explain something simply" is a cornerstone of effective communication, underscored by the famous aphorism often attributed to Albert Einstein. Ludwig's analysis reveals that this phrase is not just a request for brevity, but a standard for deep understanding. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is grammatically correct and widely used across prestigious platforms like The Guardian and The New Yorker. Whether you are demystifying a scientific theory or writing a how-to guide, using this phrase signals a commitment to clarity and audience engagement. It remains a high-value expression for anyone looking to bridge the gap between complex expertise and public comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify something clearly

Focuses on the removal of ambiguity rather than just the ease of language.

describe something plainly

Uses more direct, unadorned language, often suggesting a lack of technical jargon.

demystify a concept

Implies that the subject was originally perceived as mysterious or overly complex.

break it down

An idiomatic, more informal way to describe deconstructing a complex idea.

put it in layman's terms

Specifically refers to translating expert knowledge for a non-expert audience.

simplify the explanation

Focuses on the act of modification to the explanation itself.

elucidate simply

Much more formal and academic in tone.

articulate plainly

Shifts the focus to the clarity of the speaker's speech or expression.

make something accessible

Emphasizes the result (the audience's ability to reach the idea) rather than the method.

render clearly

Often used in technical or artistic contexts to describe how an idea is presented.

FAQs

How to use "explain something simply" in a sentence?

You can use it as a goal or a requirement, for example: "If you can't "explain something simply", you don't understand it well enough."

What can I say instead of "explain something simply"?

You can use alternatives like "clarify something clearly", "describe something plainly", or "break it down" depending on the context.

Is "explain simply" more correct than "explain in simple terms"?

Both are correct. "explain simply" is more concise, while "explain in simple terms" is a very common idiomatic prepositional phrase.

What's the difference between "explain something simply" and "simplify something"?

To ""explain something simply"" refers to the communication of the idea, whereas to "simplify something" can refer to changing the object itself to make it less complex.