in simple term

USAGE SUMMARY

"in simple terms" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used when trying to explain a complex idea in a more understandable way. For example, "Black holes are areas of space where gravity pulls so much that even light can not get out. In simple terms, black holes are extremely powerful vacuum cleaners that suck in everything in their path."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In simple term, managing the energy system means, how smartly use the available energy from all the sources to meet the load reliably [41, 42].

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

In simple term, translational symmetry does not play a part, and therefore, it is not solid state physics, but perhaps we should use the term nano-solid.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Sacre put the stakes in simple terms.

The New York Times - Sports

In simple terms, they were probably right.

Independent

In simple terms, it is unnatural.

The New York Times

"I saw Vietnam in simple terms.

The Guardian

He described his friend in simple terms.

The New York Times

Mr. Schneider sees the case in simple terms.

The New York Times

Miller summed up the appearance in simple terms.

The New York Times

In simple terms, War Emblem has a libido problem.

The New York Times - Sports

In simple terms, how do the programs work?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "in simple terms" to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity when simplifying complex topics for a broad audience.

Common error

Avoid using the singular form "in simple term". The correct and widely accepted form is "in simple terms".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in simple term" attempts to function as an adverbial phrase, aiming to modify a verb or clause by indicating the manner in which something is explained or understood. However, as Ludwig AI notes, the grammatically correct form is "in simple terms".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "in simple term" might appear in some contexts, it is grammatically incorrect. The correct and widely accepted form is "in simple terms". Ludwig AI confirms this. It is used to introduce explanations that simplify complex topics, making them easier to understand. For formal writing, always use "in simple terms" or explore alternatives like "in layman's terms" or "to put it simply" to maintain clarity and grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in simple terms

Adds pluralization to "term", aligning with standard English usage for conveying simplicity.

in uncomplicated terms

Focuses on the lack of complexity in the explanation.

in basic terms

Highlights the fundamental aspects of an explanation.

in layman's terms

Replaces "simple term" with a common idiom indicating explanation for non-experts.

in easy terms

Focuses on the ease of understanding the explanation.

in clear terms

Highlights the clarity and unambiguity of the explanation.

in plain English

Specifies the language to be simple and clear, often used in formal contexts.

simply put

A concise way to introduce a simplified explanation.

in a nutshell

Offers a concise summary or explanation.

to put it simply

Emphasizes the act of simplifying an explanation.

FAQs

Is "in simple term" grammatically correct?

No, the correct phrase is "in simple terms". The plural form is necessary for proper grammar.

What does "in simple terms" mean?

It means explaining something in a way that is easy to understand, avoiding complex jargon or technical language.

What are some alternatives to "in simple terms"?

Alternatives include "in layman's terms", "in plain English", or "to put it simply".

When should I use "in simple terms"?

Use "in simple terms" when you want to clarify a complicated subject for someone who may not be familiar with the technical details.