in straightforward terms

USAGE SUMMARY

"in straightforward terms" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to explain something in a simple and easy-to-understand manner. Example: In order to fully comprehend the complexities of this topic, let's break it down in straightforward terms.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Through most of March, security-intelligence officials in Deir Ezzor described the unrest in straightforward terms.

The New Yorker

He presents difficult ideas in straightforward terms, even when he moves into the strange and forbidding realm of non-Euclidean geometry.

The New Yorker

So the piece, posted Thursday and titled "The Aspiring Novelist Who Became Obama's Foreign-Policy Guru," is, in straightforward terms, a real talker, a success.

The Washington Post

In straightforward terms, the bank may not be able to ease policy as much as it would like from the point of view of protecting growth.

The Guardian - Opinion

The majority opinion, by Justice David Souter, explains in straightforward terms that when Congress allowed employers to make defenses based on "reasonable factors other than age," it required the employers to come up with the proof to support them.

The New York Times

The Consumer's Association supplies leaflets which talk you through key areas of civil law, and all the websites listed here are packed with useful information set out in straightforward terms.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

I see it in fairly straightforward terms.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whereas modern politics is fronted by androids who talk in borderline riddles – "One nation", "the big society" – Ukip's thinking is presented in appetisingly straightforward terms.

The Guardian - Opinion

The fact that Reagan saw the world in such straightforward terms may have been a political advantage for him, but it is not a literary one.

The New Yorker

The fact is that a stronger, more united, less vulnerable Europe, with no enemy at its door, no longer sees its interests in such straightforward terms.

The New York Times

She recommends that you speak directly to your colleague in simple, straightforward terms: "I don't want to talk about this" or "I'm not comfortable with this conversation.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When explaining complex topics, use "in straightforward terms" to signal that you are about to provide a simplified explanation, ensuring your audience understands the core concept without being overwhelmed by technical details.

Common error

Avoid oversimplifying to the point of inaccuracy when using the phrase "in straightforward terms". Ensure that while making explanations accessible, you retain the necessary nuances to maintain factual correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in straightforward terms" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which something is explained or presented. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it introduces a simplified, easy-to-understand explanation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in straightforward terms" is a useful tool for simplifying complex information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signals a clear and accessible explanation, making it suitable for various contexts, particularly news, academic discussions, and scientific communications. While grammatically correct and commonly used, it's essential to avoid oversimplification, ensuring accuracy while maintaining clarity. Alternatives such as "in simple terms" or "simply put" can be used for variety, but the core purpose remains the same: to make understanding easier.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in simple terms

Similar to the original, but replaces "straightforward" with "simple", focusing on ease of comprehension.

in plain language

Replaces "straightforward terms" with "plain language", emphasizing simplicity and ease of understanding.

in layman's terms

Specifically targets an audience without specialized knowledge.

simply put

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

to put it simply

Reorders the phrase for a slightly different emphasis on the act of simplifying.

clearly stated

Focuses on the clarity and explicitness of the communication.

to be clear

Introduces a statement intended to remove any potential confusion.

directly expressed

Highlights the directness and lack of ambiguity in the communication.

in a clear and concise manner

Emphasizes both clarity and brevity in the explanation.

without ambiguity

Highlights the absence of vagueness or multiple interpretations.

FAQs

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

You can use "in straightforward terms" to introduce a simplified explanation of a complex topic. For example, "In straightforward terms, blockchain is a decentralized ledger."

What's a good alternative to "in straightforward terms"?

Alternatives include "in simple terms", "simply put", or "in plain language" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "in straightforward terms" or "in simple terms"?

Both "in straightforward terms" and "in simple terms" are correct and usable. The choice depends on personal preference, though "in straightforward terms" may slightly emphasize directness while "in simple terms" emphasizes ease of understanding.

When is it appropriate to use "in straightforward terms"?

It's appropriate when you want to clarify a complex subject for an audience that may not have specialized knowledge, signaling that you're providing an easy-to-understand explanation.