simply explained

USAGE SUMMARY

"simply explained" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to introduce a brief and clear explanation of something that may be complex or difficult to understand. Here is an example: "Quantum mechanics, simply explained, is the branch of physics that studies the behavior of matter and energy at a subatomic level."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is fairly simply explained.

The Economist

His alien mien is simply explained.

The New Yorker

These observations are simply explained yet fascinating.

The Guardian - Film

Their presence cannot be dismissed or simply explained away".

The New Yorker

Yes, that sounds "all scientific" but it's simply explained.

The Guardian - Travel

But the appeal of some productions is more simply explained.

The New York Times

The first year, I simply explained that I hate top-ten lists.

The New Yorker

Sounds as if you simply explained why a gift card was inappropriate repayment.

The New York Times

As photographers and the Internet buzzed, Venus Williams simply explained that the outfit was about "illusion".

The New York Times - Sports

[ image: /photos/59096dc3ebe912338a376a00] The first year, I simply explained that I hate top-ten lists.

The New Yorker

Belief is more interesting than disbelief, the irrational more fascinating than the simply explained.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific writing, use it to justify why a specific model or observation was chosen, especially when data appears anomalous at first glance.

Common error

Do not use "simply explained" if the following sentence remains laden with heavy jargon. This creates a cognitive dissonance for the reader who expects a reduction in complexity based on your verbal cue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simply explained" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by a past participle. It is frequently employed as an adjectival unit in passive constructions or as a parenthetical adverbial phrase. In the Ludwig database, it often appears in the structure "cannot be simply explained by," serving to refute a reductionist view of a complex scientific or social phenomenon.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Business

5%

Legal

2%

Creative Writing

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Analysis of the phrase "simply explained" reveals it to be a powerful tool for clarity in English writing. Based on data from Ludwig AI, the phrase is a staple of high-level journalism and scientific discourse. It is most frequently used to introduce a straightforward reason for a complex event or to argue that a situation is more nuanced than it appears (often via the negative "cannot be simply explained"). Whether you are writing an academic paper for Nature or a feature for The New York Times, this phrase helps you signal to your audience that you are prioritizing their understanding of the subject matter. It is a highly recommended construction for any writer looking to balance technical precision with accessible communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

easily explained

Focuses on the lack of difficulty in providing the reason or cause

simply described

Shifts the focus from the underlying cause to the physical or conceptual depiction

clearly stated

Emphasizes the lucidity and directness of the communication

straightforwardly defined

More technical and formal, usually applied to terminology or boundaries

plainly put

An idiomatic and more casual way to introduce a simplified summary

succinctly summarized

Focuses on the brevity of the explanation rather than just the simplicity

readily understood

Focuses on the audience's reception rather than the explainer's action

concisely articulated

A higher-register alternative emphasizing precise and short delivery

briefly outlined

Suggests a short overview without necessarily implying the topic is easy

intelligibly presented

Formal academic alternative suggesting the data is accessible to the reader

FAQs

How do I use "simply explained" in a sentence?

You can use it as a predicate or an introductory phrase. For example: "The theory of relativity, "simply explained", suggests that space and time are linked."

What is a more formal alternative to "simply explained"?

In academic contexts, you might prefer "succinctly summarized" or "intelligibly presented" to maintain a professional tone.

Is "simply explained" grammatically correct?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. It follows the standard adverb-adjective/participle structure common in English for modifying the manner in which an action (explaining) is perceived.

Can I say "easily explained" instead of "simply explained"?

Yes, "easily explained" is a very close synonym, though it often implies that finding the solution required little effort, whereas "simply explained" focuses on the clarity of the resulting description.