in simple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in simple" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a subject in a straightforward and uncomplicated way. For example: "The explanation that the teacher gave us was in simple terms, so everyone in the class was able to understand it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They wrote in simple, homespun style.

The New York Times

Sacre put the stakes in simple terms.

The New York Times - Sports

The messages are lived in simple ways.

The New York Times

The reason is found in simple arithmetic.

The New Yorker

In simple terms, they were probably right.

Independent

It is unilocular in simple pistils.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The latest in "simple" diamonds?

The New York Times - Magazine

He wrote in simple English.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In simple plot terms, it's a winner.

The Guardian - Books

— well, there's pleasure in simple surprises.

The New York Times

"I saw Vietnam in simple terms.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for international audiences, "in simple" helps ensure your message is accessible, because simple sentence construction and vocabulary tend to translate better.

Common error

Avoid using "in simple" to the point where it sacrifices accuracy or omits essential details. Ensure the simplification doesn't distort the original meaning or mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in simple" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb or clause. It serves to indicate that something is being expressed or understood in an uncomplicated or straightforward manner. Ludwig supports this use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

24%

Huffington Post

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Vice

2%

BBC

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in simple" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote clarity and ease of understanding. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It is most commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, serving the purpose of simplifying complex information for a broader audience. While generally neutral in register, ensure it doesn't lead to over-simplification that sacrifices accuracy. Remember to use it when you want something to be clear to a diverse audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in basic terms

Replaces "simple" with "basic", focusing on fundamental understanding.

in layman's terms

Specifies the simplification is for a non-expert audience.

in plain language

Emphasizes the clarity and accessibility of the language used.

in straightforward terms

Highlights the directness and lack of ambiguity.

in a nutshell

Conveys brevity and conciseness in the explanation.

to put it simply

Introduces a simplified explanation of a concept.

in an easy way

Focuses on the ease of understanding.

in clear terms

Highlights clarity and lack of confusion.

in elementary terms

Indicates a very basic level of explanation suitable for beginners.

without jargon

Stresses the absence of technical or specialized language.

FAQs

How can I use "in simple" in a sentence?

You can use "in simple" to introduce a basic explanation of a complex topic. For example, "In simple terms, photosynthesis is how plants convert light into energy."

What are some alternatives to using "in simple"?

Alternatives include "in basic terms", "in layman's terms", or "to put it simply", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it always appropriate to use "in simple" when explaining something?

While "in simple" is useful for clarity, avoid oversimplifying complex subjects to the point of inaccuracy. Always balance simplicity with maintaining essential details and context.

What's the difference between "in simple terms" and "in plain English"?

"In simple terms" generally refers to making a concept easy to understand, while "in plain language" focuses on using clear and straightforward vocabulary and sentence structure, avoiding jargon or technical terms.