in ordinary terms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in ordinary terms" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to explain something in a simple or straightforward manner that is easily understood by most people. Example: "In ordinary terms, this means that we need to simplify our approach to make it more accessible to everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The refusal to be understood in ordinary terms also extends to Beuys's life.

The Guardian - Arts

The fact that the speed of light is the same for all observers is inexplicable in ordinary terms.

Britannica

"A lot" doesn't even convey it, because people will think in ordinary terms of "a lot," which is misleading.

The New Yorker

Then we found it right in front of us, living life in ordinary terms on islands of public space, all in the shadows of the financial dark lords vacuum-wrapped in their reflective glass.

The Guardian - Opinion

This feature for independents Falling Tree – who rightly won a best news feature Sony gold award this week for Child of Ardoyne – was a goosebumpy wonder, all layers of sound-texture, mesmerising voices and a lyrical narration by Malinovski as he described the town in ordinary terms elevated into something hypnotic by the key word: "For a traveller, there's nowhere to sleep in Poetry".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A peculiar consequence of so rarely seeing your kind on television, in movies, in plays, what have you, is that you can become, almost unwittingly, attached to a certain kind of wildness: the wildness of feeling not only unrepresented but somehow unrepresentable in ordinary terms.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Polite, sensible, modest and still only 24, she defines herself in militantly ordinary terms.

Independent

That being "shared" has become a rather technical notion should be apparent, since in more ordinary terms you and I may both share a reason, that doing X would be pleasant say, where each of our reasons provides no corresponding reasons for the other.

SEP

Directed with personality-free proficiency by the Danish director Nicolai Fuglsig, and produced by the computer-generated explosion factory commonly known as Jerry Bruckheimer Films, "12 Strong" recounts an extraordinary military mission in predictably, even reassuringly, ordinary terms.

Los Angeles Times

In Fabrizio she has also created a complex and wholly credible character; it is a necessary part of her success in the novel that she should begin by making us care about him and wonder about his fate in ordinary realistic terms.

The New York Times - Books

If we think in ordinary causal terms, it is straightforward to note that a genetic cause will only have its normal effects if accompanied by suitable environmental conditions, and an environmental cause will only have its normal effect if accompanied by suitable genetic conditions.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in ordinary terms", follow up with specific examples or simplified explanations to ensure clarity. This prevents ambiguity and reinforces the intended meaning for your audience.

Common error

While useful, overuse of "in ordinary terms" can make your writing sound condescending or repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "in simple language" or "in layman's terms" to maintain a natural and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in ordinary terms" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb or clause. It serves to clarify that the explanation is being provided in a simplified, easily understandable manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in ordinary terms" is a useful tool for simplifying complex concepts, making them accessible to a broader audience. As Ludwig AI validates, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. It functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that the explanation is being offered in a simplified manner. Alternatives like "in simple language" and "in layman's terms" can be used to avoid repetition. While it’s generally acceptable, overuse might sound condescending, and formal contexts might require more precise language. The phrase is most frequently found in news media, science writing, and encyclopedias, aiming to bridge the gap between expert knowledge and general understanding. The most authoritative sources using this phrase include The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in simple language

Focuses on the ease of understanding through straightforward language.

in layman's terms

Specifically targets simplifying complex topics for non-experts.

in plain English

Emphasizes clarity and directness in communication.

in everyday language

Highlights the use of common, non-technical vocabulary.

in understandable terms

Stresses the goal of making information comprehensible.

without jargon

Explicitly avoids specialized or technical terminology.

in basic terms

Refers to explaining something using only fundamental concepts.

in non-technical terms

Similar to layman's terms but slightly broader, applying to various fields.

in accessible language

Highlights the broad availability and ease of understanding for a wide audience.

to put it simply

Introduces a simplified explanation of a complex topic.

FAQs

What does "in ordinary terms" mean?

The phrase "in ordinary terms" means explaining something in a simple, straightforward way that is easy for most people to understand, avoiding jargon or technical language.

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

You can use "in ordinary terms" to introduce a simplified explanation. For example, "Quantum physics, "in ordinary terms", is about the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic levels."

What are some alternatives to "in ordinary terms"?

Alternatives include "in simple terms", "in layman's terms", "in plain English", or "in everyday language". These phrases all aim to make complex topics more accessible.

Is it appropriate to use "in ordinary terms" in formal writing?

While "in ordinary terms" is generally acceptable, in highly formal or academic writing, it might be more appropriate to use a more precise or technical explanation alongside the simplified one. However, for broader audiences, it's perfectly suitable.