ordinary language

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ordinary language" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the everyday language that people use in casual conversation, as opposed to technical or formal language. Example: "In this course, we will focus on explaining complex concepts in ordinary language to ensure everyone understands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ordinary language.

The Guardian - Books

The fundamental problem faced by ordinary language philosophy was that ordinary language is not self-interpreting.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(See also language, philosophy of: Ordinary language philosophy, and Practical and expressive language).

Encyclopedia Britannica

And there are a handful of spontaneous exchanges in ordinary language.

The New Yorker

Similarly, there is no way to purge ordinary language of its normative connotations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus, metaphorical language develops continuously in complexity just as ordinary language does.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And ordinary language falls far short of explaining that keen sense of oblivion.

The New York Times

A challenge for Mr. Ryan is to translate his sometimes technical policy explanations into ordinary language.

The New York Times

In the ordinary language sense of the word it is a fact.

The Guardian

The politically correct word nowadays is Pŭtōnghuà – meaning the common or ordinary language.

The Guardian - Travel

And most bands that achieve long-playing immortality play around gaps in ordinary language.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ordinary language" when aiming for clarity and accessibility in your writing, especially when addressing a general audience or explaining complex topics.

Common error

Avoid replacing readily understandable "ordinary language" with unnecessarily complex or technical jargon that obscures your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ordinary language" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as an adjective to describe a particular style of communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently employed to contrast everyday speech with specialized or technical terminology.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ordinary language" is a frequently used phrase that denotes clear, accessible communication, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It stands in contrast to technical or specialized jargon, aiming for broad understanding. Predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science, it maintains a neutral to informal register. When writing, prioritizing clear and accessible "ordinary language" helps ensure your message resonates with a wider audience, while needlessly replacing it with complex jargon can obscure your point.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everyday language

This alternative focuses on the common, daily use of language, highlighting its accessibility and simplicity.

common parlance

This phrase refers to the way people generally speak in a particular community or group.

plain English

This emphasizes clarity and simplicity in communication, avoiding jargon or technical terms.

vernacular

This refers to the dialect or language spoken by ordinary people in a particular region.

layman's terms

This implies explaining complex topics in a way that is easily understood by someone without specialized knowledge.

natural language

This highlights the unscripted, spontaneous nature of everyday communication.

general language

This alternative suggests a language that is not specific or technical, but rather widely applicable.

simple language

This emphasizes ease of understanding and lack of complexity in expression.

conventional language

This refers to language that adheres to established norms and practices.

regular language

This emphasizes the normality and absence of specialized vocabulary.

FAQs

How can I use "ordinary language" in a sentence?

You can use "ordinary language" to describe a way of speaking or writing that is easy to understand. For example: "The scientist explained the complex theory in "ordinary language" so that everyone could grasp the basics."

What's the difference between "ordinary language" and "technical language"?

"Ordinary language" refers to the common, everyday way people communicate, while "technical language" involves specialized terms and jargon specific to a particular field or profession.

What can I say instead of "ordinary language"?

You can use alternatives like "everyday language", "common parlance", or "plain English" depending on the context.

Is it always better to use "ordinary language" in writing?

While "ordinary language" promotes clarity and accessibility, "technical language" may be necessary when communicating with experts in a specific field where precision is paramount. The best choice depends on your audience and purpose.