to put it simply

USAGE SUMMARY

"to put it simply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to simplify a complex concept by providing a brief and easy-to-understand explanation. For example, "The process of cloning a sheep involves many complex steps. To put it simply, a somatic cell from the animal is transferred to an egg cell with the nucleus removed, and then the egg cell is stimulated to begin development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

To put it simply: Can Hadoop survive its weird beginning?

Forbes

To put it simply, no.

Independent

You are, to put it simply, screwed.

The New York Times

To put it simply, it didn't.

The Guardian

"To put it simply, you can't go.

The Washington Post

To put it simply: not much happens.

The Guardian - Books

"To put it simply – it's stupid.

The Guardian

To put it simply, these scenarios did not happen.

University of California, Berkeley

Sound Editing: To put it simply, sound effects; "American Sniper".

The New Yorker

To put it simply, it's what I want to drink.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Or, to put it simply we are all complicit.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to put it simply" to introduce a clarification or summary of a complex idea to make it more accessible to your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "to put it simply" excessively in a single piece of writing; it can become repetitive and detract from your message. Instead, vary your transitional phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to put it simply" functions as a discourse marker or transitional phrase. It is used to signal that the speaker or writer is about to offer a simplified explanation of a complex idea, concept, or situation. This is validated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

24%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to put it simply" is a widely used and grammatically correct way to introduce a simplified explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves as a valuable discourse marker across various contexts, including news, academia, and general conversation. While common, overuse should be avoided. Alternatives such as "simply put" or "in simpler terms" can help add variety. By providing a straightforward way to clarify complex ideas, "to put it simply" enhances communication and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simply put

A more concise variation of the original phrase.

in simpler terms

Focuses on using less complex language.

to break it down

Suggests an analytical simplification.

in essence

Highlights the core meaning or point.

in a nutshell

Conveys brevity and summarization.

put differently

Indicates a rephrasing of the same idea.

in short

Indicates a brief summary.

to put it another way

Offers an alternative phrasing for clarity.

boiling it down

Emphasizes reducing something to its most basic elements.

to clarify

Highlights the act of making something clearer.

FAQs

How can I use "to put it simply" in a sentence?

Use "to put it simply" to introduce a simplified explanation of something complex. For example, "Photosynthesis is a complex process; to put it simply, plants use sunlight to create food."

What phrases are similar to "to put it simply"?

You can use phrases like "simply put", "in simpler terms", or "in essence" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "to put it simple" instead of "to put it simply"?

No, the correct phrase is "to put it simply". "Simply" is an adverb modifying the verb "put", so it requires the -ly ending.

How does "to put it simply" differ from "in other words"?

"To put it simply" is used to clarify a complex concept in an easily understandable way, while "in other words" is used to rephrase something using different wording, not necessarily to simplify it.