simplify the matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simplify the matter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of making a situation or issue easier to understand or deal with. Example: "To address the concerns raised during the meeting, let’s simplify the matter and focus on the key points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Both camps simplify the matter to the public's detriment".

The New York Times

The B. and B. was in a village called Neville Hill, some distance from Brighton, but to simplify the matter Zichen told Ted and Henry that Brighton was her final destination.

The New Yorker

To simplify the matter, cases that involve rankshift are not included.

Functional Linguistics

In short, having a transparent settlement price will simplify the matter of using Bitcoin as a method of payment.

Forbes

Cricket's Circle aims to simplify the matter by only offering three recommendations for each item, based on reviews from the site's "mom community," which is a group of 200 or so women who have tested and rated the products in question.

TechCrunch

Instead, I simplify the matter by stating, "Cardiac issues".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But even that would be simplifying the matter.

The New York Times

I thought, that's the difference between a scientist and a critic – the scientist would say: "I hope to have simplified the matter in several ways".

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Justice Holmes' concept of continuing jeopardy would have greatly simplified the matter of Government appeals, but it has never been accepted by a majority of this Court.

Cornell University

With regard to the liquid model, we assume a water oil two-phase system with no free gas and no dissolved gas for simplifying the matter.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

They soon began to receive requests from other organizations who wanted to create their own custom tees, too, and realized then that there could be a market for a platform that simplified the matter.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "simplify the matter", ensure you are actually making the issue easier to grasp. Provide concrete steps or explanations that genuinely reduce complexity for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "simplify the matter" as an excuse to gloss over crucial details or nuances. A true simplification retains essential information while making it more accessible, not by removing fundamental parts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simplify the matter" functions as a verb phrase, where 'simplify' is the verb and 'the matter' is the direct object. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is used to express the action of making a particular issue or situation less complex.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "simplify the matter" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that means to make a situation or issue easier to understand. Ludwig confirms its correctness, and while it's not exceedingly common, it finds usage across various domains like news, science, and general discussions. When writing, remember to use it when you are genuinely reducing complexity without sacrificing crucial details. Some alternatives to consider include "clarify the situation" or "reduce the complexity", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduce the complexity

Directly addresses the level of complication.

make it easier to understand

Highlights the goal of comprehension.

clarify the situation

Focuses on making the situation clearer, not necessarily easier.

streamline the process

Emphasizes efficiency and removing unnecessary steps.

make it plain

Emphasizes making something obvious and easily understood.

break it down

Implies dividing something into smaller, more manageable parts.

demystify the subject

Aims to remove confusion and make the subject less obscure.

cut through the red tape

Specifically targets bureaucratic obstacles.

take the headache out of it

Highlights the removal of difficulty or frustration.

get to the point

Focuses on brevity and avoiding unnecessary details.

FAQs

How can I use "simplify the matter" in a sentence?

You can use "simplify the matter" when you want to convey the idea of making a situation or issue easier to understand or deal with. For example, "To address the concerns raised during the meeting, let’s simplify the matter and focus on the key points."

What's an alternative to "simplify the matter"?

Alternatives include "clarify the situation", "streamline the process", or "reduce the complexity".

When is it appropriate to use "simplify the matter"?

It is appropriate when you need to communicate something complex in a more accessible way, without losing the core meaning. Be mindful of not oversimplifying to the point of inaccuracy.

Is "simplify the matter" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is more common in professional or academic settings than in casual conversation.