in ordinary language

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in ordinary language" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to clarify or simplify a concept by expressing it in a way that is easily understood by the general public. Example: "The scientific explanation was too complex, so I rephrased it in ordinary language for my audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Intentional Action and Side Effects in Ordinary Language.

Yale University

And there are a handful of spontaneous exchanges in ordinary language.

The New Yorker

And most bands that achieve long-playing immortality play around gaps in ordinary language.

The New Yorker

This includes many data sources, such as patient records, that may be written in ordinary language.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The obverse is the inability, for example, to interpret a graph in ordinary language.

Yale University

(2003) "Intentional Action and Side Effects in Ordinary Language". Analysis, 63, 190-193.

Yale University

"We must go on the offensive and make our case in ordinary language people understand," Mr Titley said.

The Guardian

Most know what it means, in ordinary language, to say of somebody with affection that he or she was not a saint.

The Economist

In ordinary language, it's subtly offensive when someone speaks about another person metonymically, calling a woman a blonde, or a man a suit.

The New Yorker

It will be a long prose poem, his first prose rather than verse because he wants to see what poetic possibilities he can find in ordinary language.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is not that words such as 'situation'fieldld' and 'mode' were too exotic; their meaning in 'ordinary language' hardly seems problematic.

Functional Linguistics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When explaining complex subjects, use "in ordinary language" to ensure your audience understands the core concepts without being overwhelmed by technical jargon. This approach enhances clarity and engagement.

Common error

While "in ordinary language" is useful for simplification, avoid using it excessively in formal academic or professional contexts. Over-reliance can make your writing seem less sophisticated. Instead, aim for clarity using precise but accessible vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in ordinary language" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the manner or style of communication. It specifies that something is expressed using common, easily understandable terms, as highlighted by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

28%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in ordinary language" is a prevalent prepositional phrase used to denote clarity and simplicity in communication. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and sees its use in diverse contexts, including academia, news, and science. It serves to ensure that complex ideas are expressed in an accessible manner, avoiding jargon. For alternative expressions, you might consider phrases such as "in layman's terms" or "in simple terms". Although very common, its overuse should be avoided in highly formal contexts. This guidance ensures effective and appropriate usage across various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in layman's terms

This alternative is more specific to simplifying complex topics for non-experts.

in simple terms

This phrase emphasizes the ease of understanding.

in plain English

This specifically refers to using clear and straightforward English, avoiding jargon.

in everyday speech

This highlights the use of language commonly spoken in daily conversations.

in common parlance

This refers to language that is widely spoken or understood within a particular group or region.

in accessible language

This emphasizes the ease with which the language can be understood by a broad audience.

using familiar vocabulary

This focuses on the use of words that are well-known and easy to comprehend.

in non-technical terms

This highlights the avoidance of specialized or technical jargon.

in conversational style

This refers to language that resembles a casual conversation.

in a straightforward manner

This emphasizes the directness and clarity of the language used.

FAQs

How can I use "in ordinary language" in a sentence?

You can use "in ordinary language" to clarify a complex term or concept. For example, "The scientist explained the theory "in ordinary language" so that everyone could understand it."

What are some alternatives to saying "in ordinary language"?

Instead of "in ordinary language", you could say "in layman's terms", "in simple terms", or "in plain English" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "in ordinary language"?

It's appropriate to use "in ordinary language" when you need to explain a technical or complex topic to a general audience. It helps ensure that your explanation is easily understandable.

What is the difference between "in ordinary language" and "in technical terms"?

"In ordinary language" refers to using everyday vocabulary and straightforward explanations, while "in technical terms" involves using specialized vocabulary and detailed, precise definitions that are typically used within a specific field.