layman's terms

USAGE SUMMARY

"layman's terms" is a correct term and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe an explanation that is simple and easy to understand, provided in a way that someone who is not an expert in the particular field can understand. Example: He explained the complex legal process in layman's terms so that everyone at the meeting could understand.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In layman's terms, it's imperialism in the 21st century.

The Guardian

In layman's terms, there's no negotiating on this one.

The Guardian - Arts

"In layman's terms, it's as close to a Zamboni as you can get," Wells said.

The New York Times - Sports

"In layman's terms, it's absurd," said Gen Sabban.

BBC

In layman's terms, that's when all hell broke loose.

TechCrunch

In layman's terms, that's the same material found in fingernails.

Vice

In layman's terms, it's getting an inside joke.

WikiHow

In layman's terms: it should be cripplingly cold, but it's actually just very, very cold.

The Guardian - Travel

It's made from "durable polycarbonate" — hard plastic, in layman's terms.

TechCrunch

In layman's terms: human sweat.

The New York Times

So, all of this in layman's terms?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "layman's terms", ensure your explanation remains accurate and doesn't oversimplify to the point of being misleading.

Common error

Avoid using "layman's terms" as an excuse for providing incomplete or inaccurate information. Clarity should not come at the expense of correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "layman's terms" functions as an adverbial phrase used to modify a verb, indicating the manner in which something is explained or understood. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. For example, "Explain it in layman's terms."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

13%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "layman's terms" is a common and useful expression for indicating that something will be explained in a way that is easy for non-experts to understand. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It is crucial to maintain accuracy while simplifying complex concepts, avoiding oversimplification that could lead to misunderstandings. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, this phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business contexts, making it versatile for various communication needs. Remember to use it responsibly to ensure clarity and accessibility without sacrificing correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in plain English

Focuses specifically on clarity and ease of understanding of language.

in simple terms

Highlights the simplicity and accessibility of the explanation.

in non-technical language

Emphasizes the avoidance of jargon and technical vocabulary.

without jargon

Directly points out the absence of specialized terminology.

in everyday language

Suggests the use of common and familiar expressions.

in accessible language

Highlights that the language used can be easily understood by anyone.

simply put

Stresses conciseness and straightforwardness in explanation.

to put it simply

Introduces a simplified version of a complex topic.

in a nutshell

Conveys a brief and concise summary of the topic.

to break it down

Highlights the process of simplifying a complex concept into smaller, more manageable parts.

FAQs

How can I use "layman's terms" in a sentence?

You can use "layman's terms" to indicate that you are about to explain something complex in a simple, easy-to-understand way. For example, "The doctor explained the diagnosis in "layman's terms" so that the patient could understand it better."

What's the difference between "layman's terms" and "plain English"?

"Layman's terms" implies simplifying complex or technical information for a non-expert audience, while "plain English" focuses more on using clear and straightforward language to avoid ambiguity, regardless of the audience's expertise.

What can I say instead of "in layman's terms"?

You can use alternatives like "in simple terms", "in plain English", or "without jargon" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "layman's terms"?

It is appropriate to use "layman's terms" when communicating complex information to an audience that lacks specialized knowledge in the subject. This helps ensure understanding and avoids confusion.