in simple words

USAGE SUMMARY

"in simple words" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It implies that you are going to explain something in a more straightforward way. For example: "What I'm trying to say is that I disagree with your opinion. In simple words, I think you're wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In simple words, he was a man larger than life.

The New York Times

In simple words, this is a bad bill.

The Guardian

In simple words, it confirms the host/guest coordination and its stability.

Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy

REINECKE: I cannot answer this question in simple words, because it touches on a basic problem.

Yale University

And he does all that in simple words, in the right forum, at the right moment.

Independent

"Very difficult to explain in simple words, Marcel-san," said Mr Suzuki.

The Guardian - Travel

Thing Explainer: Complicated Stuff in Simple Words is an illustrated "how things work" book.

The Guardian - Books

He is the author, most recently, of "Thing Explainer: Complicated Stuff in Simple Words".

The New Yorker

Children learn the sounds of individual letters first, then the sounds of letters in combination and in simple words.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thing Explainer: Complicated Stuff In Simple Words by Randall Munroe is published by John Murray this week, at £16.99.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The man had asked him over, had instructed him in simple words, to come get some shade.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in simple words", ensure the subsequent explanation maintains accuracy and avoids oversimplification, which could lead to misunderstanding.

Common error

Avoid reducing nuanced subjects to overly simplistic terms that can distort accuracy and meaning. While clarity is important, make sure the simplified explanation doesn't lose essential details or introduce misleading information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in simple words" primarily functions as a discourse marker. It signals to the audience that the speaker or writer is about to provide a more straightforward and easily understandable explanation of a complex concept. Ludwig confirms this is perfectly acceptable and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in simple words" serves as a versatile tool for simplifying complex information across diverse contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is grammatically sound and widely used to enhance clarity, particularly in news, science, and academia. While offering simplified explanations, ensure accuracy and avoid oversimplification. For alternatives, consider "to put it simply" or "in layman's terms". Be mindful of oversimplifying nuanced topics to avoid distortion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to put it simply

Offers a more direct and concise way of saying something.

simply put

Similar to "to put it simply" but with a slightly more casual tone.

in layman's terms

Emphasizes making something understandable to someone without specialized knowledge.

in plain English

Specifically refers to simplifying language to be easily understood, avoiding jargon.

to break it down

Suggests a step-by-step explanation to make something easier to grasp.

in other words

Indicates a restatement of something already said, often for clarity.

in a nutshell

Implies a very brief summary.

basically

Introduces a simplified explanation of the main point.

in short

Indicates a concise summary of a longer explanation.

to clarify

Focuses on making something clearer and less ambiguous.

FAQs

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

You can use "in simple words" to introduce a clearer or more straightforward explanation of a complex topic. For example, "The concept of quantum entanglement is complex; "in simple words", it means two particles are linked regardless of the distance between them".

What is a good alternative to "in simple words"?

Alternatives include "to put it simply", "in layman's terms", or "to break it down", depending on the specific context and level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "in simple words"?

It's appropriate to use "in simple words" when you need to clarify a complex concept, definition, or explanation for an audience that may not have specialized knowledge of the subject matter.

Is "in simple words" formal or informal?

"In simple words" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in highly academic or professional settings. For example, use "in other words".