in simple terms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in simple terms" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to explain complex or technical information in a straightforward and easily understandable way. For example, "The computer stores all data in digital form, but, in simple terms, it's just a way to save information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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, she finally understands love's meaning.

The Guardian - Books

In simple terms, there are two conflicting ideologies.

The Guardian - Opinion

"In simple terms, she's the greatest dog photographer there is".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in simple terms" to bridge the gap between technical jargon and general understanding. It's especially useful when addressing diverse audiences with varying levels of expertise.

Common error

Avoid over-simplifying to the point of inaccuracy. While aiming for clarity, ensure that the core message remains truthful and doesn't mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in simple terms" functions as a discourse marker, signaling an upcoming explanation that will be easier to understand. Ludwig confirms that it introduces a simplified version of a complex topic, making it accessible to a broader audience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase "in simple terms" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression. It serves as a valuable tool for clarifying complex topics, making them accessible to a broader audience. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals its prevalence in news, media, and academic contexts. Related phrases like "simply put" and "in layman's terms" offer similar ways to convey clarity. When using this phrase, it's crucial to avoid over-simplification, ensuring accuracy while promoting understanding. Ludwig provides valuable insights into the usage and context of this common phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in layman's terms

Uses language accessible to non-experts, emphasizing clarity for a general audience.

simply put

Offers a more concise and direct way to introduce a simplified explanation.

to put it simply

Similar to 'simply put' but with slightly more emphasis on the act of simplifying.

in plain language

Focuses on using straightforward language, avoiding jargon or technical terms.

in a nutshell

Conveys the idea of summarizing something in a very brief and concise manner.

to break it down

Suggests deconstructing a complex topic into smaller, more manageable parts.

in essence

Highlights the core or fundamental aspect of something, simplifying the overall concept.

basically

Offers a casual way to introduce a simplified explanation or summary.

in short

Indicates a brief summary or condensed version of a longer explanation.

in a word

Condenses a complex idea into a single, representative term.

FAQs

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

You can use "in simple terms" to introduce a simplified explanation of a complex concept. For example, "Photosynthesis is how plants get energy. "In simple terms", it's like plants using sunlight to make their own food."

What are some alternatives to saying "in simple terms"?

Alternatives include "simply put", "in plain language", or "in layman's terms", each offering a slightly different nuance in conveying clarity and simplification.

Is it always appropriate to use "in simple terms"?

While generally acceptable, using "in simple terms" may not be suitable in highly formal or technical contexts where precision is paramount. In such cases, a more detailed explanation might be preferred.

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

"In simple terms" aims to clarify complex ideas without sacrificing accuracy, whereas "simplistically" often implies an oversimplified or potentially misleading explanation. The former seeks understanding, while the latter can suggest a lack of depth.