in simpler terms

USAGE SUMMARY

"in simpler terms" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain something in an easier way to understand. For example: "Using calculus to solve equations can be complex, but in simpler terms, it's just a way to find the value of an unknown variable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Selbins, both 40, see the dispute in simpler terms.

The New York Times

But, really, the concept just needs to be explained in simpler terms.

The Guardian - Opinion

In simpler terms, the Bobcats are bad at both scoring and defending.

The New York Times

In simpler terms, Sandoval explained that "this sports facility has a soul".

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Anastos's current co-anchor, Dari Alexander, explained his longevity in simpler terms: "People like Ernie.

The New York Times

Another analog studio engineer in Nashville summed it up in simpler terms: "The old shit's the best shit".

The New Yorker

But in death, he was described in simpler terms: as a martyr to the cause of fighting abortion.

The New York Times

In simpler terms, no one seems to have the foggiest idea where to find a light switch.

The New York Times

Diane Godbout, a retiree who attended the same event, put it in simpler terms: "It's very presidential".

The New York Times

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg put it in simpler terms during a morning radio show, when he noted the plight of high-rise dwellers.

The New York Times

Like caviar or escargot, it fiddles with that old schism between appearance and flavor — in simpler terms, it's a gross-out food that happens to taste pretty good.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in simpler terms" after presenting a complex idea to ensure your audience grasps the core concept without getting lost in technicalities.

Common error

Avoid using "in simpler terms" excessively within a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound condescending or repetitive. Instead, vary your methods of simplification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in simpler terms" functions as a discourse marker, signaling an intention to rephrase a previous statement or concept for easier comprehension. As Ludwig AI explains, it aims to clarify complex information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

20%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in simpler terms" is a commonly used discourse marker that signals an intention to clarify a complex concept. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and functions to make information more accessible to a broader audience. Found frequently in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, the phrase acts as a bridge between jargon and everyday language. While effective, it's important not to overuse the phrase, as repetition can detract from the clarity and tone of your writing. Consider alternatives like "to put it simply" or "in plain English" to maintain variety and avoid sounding condescending.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to put it simply

Focuses on brevity and ease of understanding.

in plain English

Emphasizes the use of clear and accessible language.

to explain it another way

Highlights a different perspective for better understanding.

in layman's terms

Specifically aims to make the explanation understandable to non-experts.

more clearly stated

Emphasizes clarity and precision in the restatement.

in a more accessible manner

Focuses on making the information more reachable to the audience.

in a nutshell

Condenses the information to its most essential elements.

let me rephrase that

Indicates a direct attempt to clarify a previous statement.

to break it down

Signifies a step-by-step explanation of a complex topic.

what I mean to say is

Clarifies the speaker's intended meaning.

FAQs

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

You can use "in simpler terms" to rephrase a complex idea in an easier way. For example, "The process involves complex algorithms; "in simpler terms", it sorts data efficiently".

What are some alternatives to using "in simpler terms"?

Alternatives include "to put it simply", "in plain English", or "in layman's terms", depending on your audience and the specific context.

Is "in simpler terms" appropriate for formal writing?

While "in simpler terms" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "to clarify" or "in essence" might be more suitable for academic or professional contexts.

How does "in simpler terms" differ from "in other words"?

"In other words" typically restates something using different wording, whereas "in simpler terms" specifically aims to make a complex concept easier to understand, often by omitting technical details or jargon.