the explanation is straightforward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the explanation is straightforward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something is easy to understand or clear without complications. Example: "After reviewing the data, I found that the explanation is straightforward, making it easy for everyone to grasp the concept."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The explanation is straightforward, of course.

The New Yorker

And the explanation is straightforward: the richest households fund political campaigns.

The Guardian - Opinion

Part of the explanation is straightforward.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The first explanation is straightforward.

The Economist

Amusingly, for (Gd-29) a fitting of magnetic data using the Hamiltonian in Eq. (9) revealed that the CuII GdIII was actually antiferromagnetic, though competing CuII CuII interactions and ferromagnetic GdIII GdIII coupling were also observed, so the explanation is not straightforward.

Coordination Chemistry Reviews

The explanation is not altogether straightforward.

The Guardian

When I was in graduate school, the explanation was known and it was very straightforward.

BMC Biology

As a correspondent put it recently: "Why do I want to sleep with my socks on?" The explanation may be straightforward, if not comforting.

The New York Times

The explanation for this is straightforward.

The New York Times

The explanation LOTH offers is straightforward: postulate a representational system that satisfies at least (B1).

SEP

The explanation for the difference is straightforward.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the explanation is straightforward" when you want to convey that something is easy to grasp and doesn't require a lot of complex analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "the explanation is straightforward" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your tone sound condescending or oversimplified. Instead, vary your language and provide specific details to support your claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the explanation is straightforward" functions as an introductory statement. It prefaces a reason or cause that is presented as simple and easily understood. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in conveying clarity and simplicity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the explanation is straightforward" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to indicate that something is easy to understand. Ludwig highlights its usage in various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Science. While the phrase itself is straightforward, overuse can sound condescending. Therefore, vary language while aiming for clarity. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression is commonly used to preface reasons or causes that are easily understandable. The analysis suggests a neutral tone, and frequency analysis marks it as "Uncommon".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the reason is simple

Replaces "explanation" with "reason" and "straightforward" with "simple", focusing on the logic behind something.

the answer is obvious

Substitutes "explanation" with "answer" and "straightforward" with "obvious", implying the solution is easily apparent.

the logic is clear

Changes "explanation" to "logic" and "straightforward" to "clear", highlighting the clarity of reasoning.

the solution is simple

Replaces "explanation" with "solution" and "straightforward" with "simple", emphasizing ease in resolving a problem.

the point is plain

Changes "explanation" to "point" and "straightforward" to "plain", indicating that the meaning is easily understood.

the cause is evident

Substitutes "explanation" with "cause" and "straightforward" with "evident", suggesting the reason is easily seen.

it's easily understood

Rephrases the entire sentence to focus on the ease of understanding, rather than providing a direct explanation.

it's not complicated

Simplifies the statement by indicating the absence of complexity in the situation or subject.

the mechanics are uncomplicated

Focuses on the easiness of understanding the mechanics of something

the fundamentals are accessible

Switches "explanation" and "straightforward" for "fundamentals" and "accessible" highlighting the easy approach.

FAQs

What does "the explanation is straightforward" mean?

It means that the reason or cause behind something is simple and easy to understand.

How can I use "the explanation is straightforward" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce a simple reason or solution. For example: "The data shows a clear trend; "the explanation is straightforward": increased marketing spend led to higher sales."

What are some alternatives to "the explanation is straightforward"?

You can use alternatives like "the reason is simple", "the answer is obvious", or "the logic is clear".

Is it always appropriate to say "the explanation is straightforward"?

While generally acceptable, ensure the context genuinely warrants such a statement. Oversimplifying complex topics can undermine credibility; instead, elaborate to meet audience expectations.