put simply

USAGE SUMMARY

"put simply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain a complex concept in a succinct way. For example: "put simply, the flat tax system means that all taxpayers pay the same rate regardless of income."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The city, put simply, has changed.

The New York Times

"Put simply, he was dealing in death".

Independent

Now, put simply, it isn't.

The New York Times

Put simply?

Forbes

Put simply - a parliament".

BBC

Put simply it's incredible.

Vice

Put simply... It's likability.

Huffington Post

"Put simply, stigma kills their spirit".

Unicef

Put simply, she was fabulous.

The New York Times

Put simply, Claude is terrifying.

Independent

Put simply, Justin IS disco.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "put simply", ensure that the explanation that follows is genuinely simpler than the original concept. Avoid oversimplification that could lead to misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "put simply" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and condescending. Instead, vary your language with alternatives like "in simple terms" or "in essence".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put simply" functions as a discourse marker or a transitional phrase. It signals to the reader that the upcoming information will be a simplified explanation or summary of a more complex topic. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "put simply" serves as a crucial linguistic tool for simplifying complex ideas, making them accessible to a broader audience. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across varied contexts, particularly in news and media. While grammatically correct and highly functional, it's essential to avoid overuse and to consider the context for formality. Alternatives like "in simple terms" or "in essence" can add variety to your writing. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively use "put simply" to enhance clarity and understanding in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simply put

A variation that reverses the word order while maintaining the core meaning of providing a simplified explanation.

in simple terms

This alternative focuses on the ease of understanding, highlighting that the explanation will be straightforward.

to put it plainly

This option emphasizes directness and clarity, suggesting that the following explanation will be blunt and easy to grasp.

in a nutshell

This phrase indicates a concise summary, condensing a larger topic into its most essential points.

to break it down

This suggests a process of simplifying a complex topic into smaller, more manageable parts.

in essence

This option focuses on the core or fundamental nature of something, providing a distilled explanation.

basically

A more informal way to introduce a simplified explanation, often used in casual conversation.

in other words

This phrase indicates a restatement of something in a different, often simpler, way.

in short

This phrase signals a brief summary of a longer explanation or situation.

to put it another way

This implies rephrasing something for clarity, often to make it more understandable.

FAQs

How can I use "put simply" in a sentence?

Use "put simply" to introduce a concise explanation of a complex idea. For instance, "Put simply, photosynthesis is how plants convert sunlight into energy."

What are some alternatives to "put simply"?

You can use alternatives such as "in simple terms", "to put it plainly", or "simply put" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it okay to use "put simply" in formal writing?

While "put simply" is generally acceptable, it's often more appropriate for neutral or professional contexts. For highly formal academic writing, consider alternatives like "in essence" or providing a direct, concise explanation without a leading phrase.

What's the difference between "put simply" and "to summarize"?

"Put simply" introduces a simplified explanation of a single concept, whereas "to summarize" /s/in+summary indicates a brief overview of multiple ideas or points.