very simply put

USAGE SUMMARY

"very simply put" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to introduce a simplified or summarized explanation of a complex idea or concept. An example sentence could be: "Very simply put, the theory of relativity states that time and space are relative to the observer's frame of reference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Afterward, Calhoun said: "Very simply put, a coach is a coach.

The New York Times - Sports

A future, very simply put, is when you are effectively buying something in the future.

The Guardian

"Very simply put, all of them are unconstitutional," Cinda Klickna, president of the Illinois Education Association, said of the proposals.

The New York Times

Chanel was, very simply put, an enormous opportunist who did what she had to do to get along.

The New Yorker

What this all means, very simply put, is that the figures that premise the agreement reached over the weekend between Greece and its European partners are quite possibly unrealistic.

The Guardian

The one constant about ODAP poisoning, however, very simply put, is this: those who will be hit the hardest are always young men between the ages of 15 and 25 and who are essentially starving or ingesting very limited calories, who have been engaged in heavy physical activity, and who suffer trace-element shortages from meager, unvaried diets.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Very simply put-traditional NFC using SE for contactless proximity payments had too many challenges which HCE has resolved.

TechCrunch

Most of the movies that he has appeared in since the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy were, simply put, very bad.

The New York Times

To use that argument is to redirect the conversation to solely address one's own thoughts and feelings, and not the very real issue at hand – which, simply put, is that women are scared of men because we fear the violence they are capable of.

Vice

Eghosa Imasuen's Fine Boys Farafina Bookss, available on Kindle) is, simply put, a very good read.

The Guardian - Books

So, simply put, the very idea of a "European" was first used to contrast Christians and Muslims.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very simply put", ensure the subsequent explanation is genuinely simplified and avoids jargon or technical terms.

Common error

Avoid using "very simply put" when the subject matter requires nuance or detailed understanding. Over-simplification can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Linguistic Context

"Very simply put" functions as an introductory adverbial phrase. It prepares the audience for a basic explanation of something potentially complex. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and used in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

19%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Very simply put" is a common adverbial phrase used to introduce a simplified explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and acceptable phrase in written English. It functions to clarify and summarize complex information, making it more accessible to a general audience. While found most frequently in news and media, its register leans towards neutral to informal, making it suitable for a variety of contexts where clarity is prioritized. Remember that while it's useful for broad understanding, oversimplification can sometimes sacrifice necessary nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to put it simply

Omits "very", slightly reducing emphasis.

in simple terms

Replaces the verb "put" with the noun "terms".

in layman's terms

Targets an audience unfamiliar with technical jargon.

to explain it briefly

Shifts focus to the act of explaining.

in a nutshell

Uses a metaphor to indicate brevity.

in short

A more concise and direct alternative.

basically

Emphasizes the fundamental aspect.

essentially

Highlights the core essence of something.

in essence

Similar to essentially but more formal.

to make it clear

Focuses on clarifying understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "very simply put" in a sentence?

You can use "very simply put" to introduce a summary or simplified explanation of a complex concept. For example, "Very simply put, photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light into energy."

What are some alternatives to "very simply put"?

You can use alternatives like "to put it simply", "in simple terms", or "in layman's terms" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "very simply put"?

It's appropriate to use "very simply put" when you want to make a complex topic accessible to a broader audience by offering a clear and concise explanation.

Is there a difference between "simply put" and "very simply put"?

While both phrases serve the same purpose, "very simply put" adds emphasis to the simplification, suggesting that the explanation is particularly straightforward.