in common terms

USAGE SUMMARY

"in common terms" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It refers to using language or terminology that is easily understood by the general public. Example: The scientist explained the complex concept of quantum physics in common terms, making it accessible to the non-scientific community.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

You should therefore minimize jargon and state things simply in common terms (and define terms when needed).

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In common terms, religion is ancient, transcendent and sacred, invoking the intangible realms of morality and belief, while technology is mechanical, material, modern and profane.

The Guardian - Tech

This document captures a set of principles identified and used by the collaborative, along with detailed guidance for creating comparable results chains across sectors and evaluating evidence from multiple disciplines in common terms.

Duke University

In common terms, childhood is considered to start from birth.

Wikipedia

In common terms, "talk" is a form of propaganda, whether we like it or not.

Huffington Post

This property states, in common terms, that the probability that an event occurs in the future is only dependent on the present and independent of any other events.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

In case studies, protein families were identified whose members share one 14-3-3 14-3-3 14-3-3in common (termed the 'lynchpin').

Bioinformatics

Cancellation of the common terms in the above equation results in the limiting detector.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The website will be easily found using common terms in a search engine.

Bplans

First, we completed a general internet search for common terms used in operational efficiency studies.

Harvard University

Above two images, "A More Perfect Union"—common terms used in internet dating profiles nationwide via.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in common terms" to clarify complex subjects, ensuring your message is accessible to a wider audience. This is especially useful in technical writing or when addressing non-experts.

Common error

Avoid over-simplifying to the point of inaccuracy when using "in common terms". Ensure that while the language is accessible, the core meaning and nuances of the subject are retained.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in common terms" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which something is explained or described. It highlights the use of language accessible to a general audience. Ludwig AI provides various examples demonstrating this clarifying role.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in common terms" serves as a crucial tool for clear communication, particularly when simplifying complex subjects for a broad audience. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various domains. While alternatives like "in layman's terms" and "simply put" exist, "in common terms" emphasizes the use of everyday language. Remember, the goal is clarity and accessibility without sacrificing accuracy. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific sources, this phrase helps to bridge the gap between specialized knowledge and general understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in layman's terms

Replaces "common" with "layman's", emphasizing simplicity for non-experts.

in plain English

Specifies English language and emphasizes clarity.

simply put

Focuses on brevity and directness in explanation.

in simple terms

Highlights the simplicity of the explanation.

in everyday language

Emphasizes the use of familiar, non-technical vocabulary.

to put it simply

Highlights the act of simplifying a complex topic.

in basic terms

Focuses on the fundamental aspects of an explanation.

without jargon

Emphasizes the avoidance of technical or specialized language.

in non-technical language

Directly contrasts technical language with accessible wording.

in understandable language

Highlights the goal of making something comprehensible.

FAQs

How can I use "in common terms" in a sentence?

Use "in common terms" to introduce an explanation that simplifies a complex topic for a general audience. For example, "The theory of relativity, "in common terms", suggests that space and time are relative to the observer".

What are some alternatives to "in common terms"?

You can use alternatives like "in layman's terms", "simply put", or "in plain english" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "in common terms"?

It's appropriate when you need to explain a complex or technical concept to someone without specialized knowledge in that area. It sets the expectation that the explanation will be simplified and easy to understand.

Is "in common terms" the same as "in simple terms"?

While similar, "in simple terms" focuses more on the ease of understanding, whereas "in common terms" implies the use of everyday language familiar to most people. Thus, in a particular situation, you could use "in everyday language".