straightforward language

USAGE SUMMARY

"straightforward language" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that you are expressing something in a clear and easy to understand way. For example, "I will explain the instructions in straightforward language so that everyone can understand them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Simple, straightforward language is, perhaps unsurprisingly, much favoured.

The Guardian - Books

A poet of simple forms and straightforward language... AE Housman.

The Guardian - Books

She has indeed – using more straightforward language than many politicians like her husband, too.

Independent

The three classic works seem interchangeable enough: from the twenties; white male authors; straightforward language.

The New Yorker

The clear and vibrantly colored illustrations parallel the straightforward language of the narrative.

The New York Times - Books

The judge has a white beard, wears a bow tie and speaks in the straightforward language of the Great Plains.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Cybernetic theory and computer technology require rigorous but straightforward languages to permit translation into nonambiguous, special symbols that can be stored and utilized for statistical manipulations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Though in a different register, politicians have employed less-than-straightforward language since the dawn of recorded time.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even the most uncanny events are evoked in a straightforward, meticulous language that takes our comprehension for granted.

The New York Times - Books

But he wasn't a loopy hep-cat; instead, he was a young man using frank, straightforward, common language to express the full range of his exorbitant moods.

The New Yorker

Mr. Garrett, one of the masters of the alto saxophone since the 80's, is playing crisp, tough, brutally up-tempo music these days, with the drummer Chris Dave adding a clanky funk wallop that provides a nice dissonance to straightforward jazz language.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, use "straightforward language" to ensure your message is easily understood by your target audience. Avoid jargon or overly complex terms that could confuse the reader.

Common error

Don't mistake "straightforward language" for overly simplistic or dumbed-down communication. The goal is clarity, not condescension. Ensure the content remains informative and respectful, even when using clear and simple terms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "straightforward language" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where 'straightforward' modifies 'language'. According to Ludwig AI, it is a perfectly acceptable phrase. It describes the quality of the language used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "straightforward language" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe clear, direct, and easily understandable communication. According to Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and business, with the primary goal of ensuring clarity. When using this phrase, focus on avoiding jargon and complex sentence structures to maintain accessibility while ensuring the content remains informative and respectful. Related phrases include "plain language" and "clear language".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plain language

Emphasizes simplicity and ease of understanding, similar to the original phrase.

clear language

Focuses on the absence of ambiguity and the ease with which the message can be understood.

direct language

Highlights the absence of indirectness or evasion in communication.

simple language

Stresses the uncomplicated nature of the vocabulary and sentence structure.

unambiguous language

Highlights the lack of multiple interpretations.

accessible language

Focuses on the ease of understanding for a broader audience.

uncomplicated language

Emphasizes the lack of complexity in the expression.

explicit language

Stresses the leaving of nothing implied; everything is clearly stated.

easy-to-understand language

Directly focuses on the comprehensibility of the language used.

transparent language

Indicates openness and clarity, with no hidden meanings.

FAQs

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

You can use "straightforward language" to describe communication that is clear and easy to understand. For example, "The instructions were written in "plain language"" or "The politician used "direct language" to address the public."

What are some alternatives to "straightforward language"?

Alternatives to "straightforward language" include "clear language", "simple language", "unambiguous language", and "accessible language". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "straightforward language" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "straightforward language" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when clarity is paramount. However, be sure to maintain a professional tone and avoid overly casual expressions. You might consider using "explicit language" in certain formal contexts for added precision.

What does it mean to use "straightforward language"?

Using "straightforward language" means communicating in a way that is easy to understand, without unnecessary jargon or complex sentence structures. The goal is to convey your message clearly and directly.