simple terms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simple terms" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are attempting to explain a complex concept in a straightforward way. For example: "Let me explain this in simple terms - two plus two equals four."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sacre put the stakes in simple terms.

The New York Times - Sports

In simple terms, they were probably right.

Independent

In simple terms, it is unnatural.

The New York Times

"I saw Vietnam in simple terms.

The Guardian

He described his friend in simple terms.

The New York Times

Mr. Schneider sees the case in simple terms.

The New York Times

Miller summed up the appearance in simple terms.

The New York Times

He explained it to me in really simple terms.

The Guardian - Music

In simple terms, War Emblem has a libido problem.

The New York Times - Sports

In simple terms, she finally understands love's meaning.

The Guardian - Books

In simple terms, there are two conflicting ideologies.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Place the phrase at the beginning of a sentence to signal a transition from complex details to a high-level overview.

Common error

Ensure that the use of "simple terms" does not patronize the reader. It should be used to facilitate understanding of difficult concepts rather than implying the audience lacks intelligence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simple terms" functions primarily as an adverbial prepositional object (usually preceded by 'in'). It acts as a metadiscursive marker that signals the speaker's intent to translate specialized or difficult information into a more digestible format. According to Ludwig, it frequently appears as an introductory phrase to a summary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

17%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "simple terms" is a robust and universally accepted expression used to signal the clarification of complex topics. Data from Ludwig shows that it is exceptionally common in high-tier journalism and scientific publishing, where it serves as a bridge between technical expertise and general comprehension. It is grammatically classified as a standard adjective-noun pair and is most often seen in the prepositional phrase "in "simple terms"". While highly versatile, writers should ensure its use remains helpful rather than patronizing. Overall, it is a reliable tool for any writer looking to improve the clarity and impact of their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

layman's terms

Specifically refers to language that a person without professional knowledge in a particular subject can understand

plain English

Emphasizes the use of common words and clear sentence structures over jargon

basic language

Suggests the most fundamental vocabulary possible

straightforward language

Focuses on directness and the absence of ambiguity

everyday language

Refers to words used in common daily conversation

non-technical language

Explicitly avoids the specialized terminology of a particular field

clear terms

Focuses on the transparency and intelligibility of the expression

uncomplicated language

Highlights the lack of structural or conceptual complexity

easy terms

Implies the concepts are presented in a way that is effortless to grasp

accessible language

Suggests the information is available to a wide range of audiences regardless of expertise

FAQs

How do I use "simple terms" in a sentence?

You can use the phrase to preface an explanation, such as: "In "simple terms", the stock market is a place where people buy shares of companies." You can find more examples of this usage in Ludwig.

What is a synonym for "simple terms"?

Common synonyms include "plain English", "layman's terms" or "clear language".

What is the difference between "simple terms" and "layman's terms"?

While both mean to simplify, "layman's terms" specifically targets a non-professional audience, whereas "simple terms" is more general and refers to any uncomplicated explanation.

Can I use "simple terms" in academic writing?

Yes, it is often used in research papers to clarify complex data or theories for a broader academic audience. Examples in Ludwig show its frequent use in journals like PlosOne and Science.