to simplify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to simplify" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of making something easier to understand or less complex. Example: "The goal of this presentation is to simplify the complex data for our audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have to simplify".

The New York Times - Tech

We need to simplify.

The New York Times

You need to simplify it.

The New York Times

His edits tend to simplify.

The New York Times - Magazine

He tries to simplify them.

The New York Times - Sports

"I am trying to simplify.

The New York Times

"I just want to simplify," she says.

The New Yorker

The operative principle was to simplify.

The New York Times - Travel

We need to simplify the workers' jobs.

The New York Times - Magazine

WANT to simplify your beauty routine?

The New York Times

So we tried to simplify everything.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to simplify", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being made simpler and why. Clarity is key.

Common error

Avoid over-simplifying to the point where essential details are lost or the message becomes misleading. Balance clarity with accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to simplify" primarily functions as a verb complement or modifier, indicating the purpose or intention behind an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

27%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"To simplify" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to express the act of making something less complex or more understandable. As evidenced by Ludwig, its usage is very common across various domains, including news, academia, and business. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's important to avoid over-simplification, ensuring essential details are not lost in the process. Whether you aim "to streamline" a process or "to clarify" a concept, "to simplify" offers a clear and concise way to communicate your intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to streamline

Focuses more on making a process more efficient, often by removing unnecessary steps.

to make easier

A more general alternative that emphasizes reducing difficulty.

to clarify

Specifically aims at making something clearer and more understandable.

to reduce complexity

Directly addresses the act of lessening the complicated nature of something.

to streamline the process

Emphasizes making a process more efficient and straightforward.

to cut down

Suggests reducing the quantity or size, which can lead to simplification.

to dumb down

To simplify to such an extent that accuracy may be comprised.

to make plain

Focuses on making something easily understandable or obvious.

to break down

Suggests dividing a complex problem into smaller, more manageable parts.

to facilitate

To make an action or process easier.

FAQs

How can I use "to simplify" in a sentence?

Use "to simplify" when you want to express the action of making something less complex or easier to understand. For example, "The goal is "to simplify" the instructions for better comprehension."

What are some alternatives to using "to simplify"?

You can use alternatives like "to streamline", "to make easier", or "to clarify" depending on the specific context.

Is it always better to simplify something?

While simplification often aids understanding, it's crucial to avoid "over-simplification", which can lead to inaccuracies or loss of important details. Strive for a balance between clarity and completeness.

How does "to simplify" differ from "to facilitate"?

"To simplify" focuses on reducing complexity, whereas "to facilitate" implies making a process or action easier to perform. While related, they address different aspects of ease.