to simplify things

USAGE SUMMARY

"to simplify things" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to make a complex situation or topic easier to understand. For example, "To simplify things, let's break this project down into four different steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We've taken big steps to simplify things.

Independent

"We really must try to simplify things".

The Guardian - Business

Remotes are supposed to simplify things".

The New York Times - Tech

Let's try to simplify things a bit.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

(I've commented out a fair amount to simplify things).

Yale University

And I'm going to assume annual compounding to simplify things.

Yale University

"We may have to take some time to simplify things".

The New York Times - Sports

Some people kill themselves, Solomon says, to simplify things.

The Guardian - Books

Conte's great achievement last season was to simplify things.

The Guardian - Sport

To simplify things, here are a few sample itineraries.

The Washington Post

Extremely tough conditions tonight and we had to simplify things to adapt to those conditions".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to simplify things" when you want to signal to your audience that you are about to provide a more straightforward explanation or approach to a complex topic.

Common error

Avoid oversimplifying complex topics to the point of inaccuracy. While "to simplify things" is useful, ensure you don't omit critical details or nuances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to simplify things" serves as an introductory phrase, signaling an intent to present information or a process in a more accessible manner. It prefaces a clarification, summary, or a more straightforward approach. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to simplify things" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that introduces clarifications or restatements of complex topics. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is both grammatically correct and widely accepted. It functions as a signal to the audience that a more straightforward explanation is forthcoming. While suitable for diverse contexts, from news reports to academic discussions, ensure that simplification doesn't compromise accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for the sake of simplicity

This alternative emphasizes the intention to reduce complexity for clarity.

to make it easier

This phrase focuses on the outcome of simplification, highlighting the ease of understanding or use.

in simpler terms

This alternative is suited when rephrasing something in a more accessible manner.

to put it simply

This emphasizes a concise and straightforward explanation.

for clarity's sake

Similar to 'for the sake of simplicity', but specifically emphasizes improving clarity.

in order to clarify

Focuses on the purpose of making something clearer.

to streamline the process

This relates to simplifying a procedure or system.

for ease of understanding

Highlights the goal of facilitating comprehension.

to break it down

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

in layman's terms

This indicates a translation of jargon into everyday language.

FAQs

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

You can use "to simplify things" to introduce a clarification or a restatement of a complex topic. For example, "To simplify things, let's focus on the key objectives".

What is an alternative to saying "to simplify things"?

Alternatives include phrases like "for the sake of simplicity", "in simpler terms", or "to put it simply".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "to simplify things"?

It's appropriate when introducing a more straightforward explanation of something complex, or when outlining a more manageable approach to a complicated situation.

Is it possible to oversimplify after saying "to simplify things"?

Yes, it's important to strike a balance between clarity and accuracy. Avoid omitting vital information when attempting simplification. Ensure the core message remains intact despite the simplification.