explain simply
To describe something in a basic, clear, and easy-to-understand way, avoiding complex language.
Signification
To describe something in a basic, clear, and easy-to-understand way, avoiding complex language.
Contexte culturel
There is a strong cultural emphasis on 'The Elevator Pitch'—the ability to explain a complex business idea simply in the time it takes to ride an elevator. The 'Plain English Campaign' is a famous UK group that gives awards to organizations that explain things simply and 'Golden Bull' awards to those who use too much jargon. In Japanese business culture, 'explaining simply' is often part of 'Hou-Ren-So' (Report, Contact, Consult), where clarity is key to team harmony. Germans value 'Sachlichkeit' (objectivity). Explaining simply is seen as being efficient and honest, rather than 'dumbing down' the information.
The 'Six-Year-Old' Rule
If you want to check if you've explained something simply, imagine you are talking to a six-year-old. If they would understand, you've succeeded!
Don't say 'Explain me'
This is the most common mistake. Always say 'Explain it to me' or just 'Explain simply'.
Signification
To describe something in a basic, clear, and easy-to-understand way, avoiding complex language.
The 'Six-Year-Old' Rule
If you want to check if you've explained something simply, imagine you are talking to a six-year-old. If they would understand, you've succeeded!
Don't say 'Explain me'
This is the most common mistake. Always say 'Explain it to me' or just 'Explain simply'.
Politeness Matters
When asking an expert to explain simply, add 'Could you...' or 'Would you mind...' to sound more polite.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'explain simply'.
I don't understand this math problem. Can you ______ it ______ to me?
We use 'explain' as the verb and 'simply' as the adverb to describe how the action is done.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct option:
You must include 'to' before the person and the adverb 'simply' after the verb/object.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: The quantum entanglement causes a non-local correlation. B: I'm sorry, I'm not a scientist. Could you ______?
When asking for a clearer description of a concept, 'explain simply' is the standard phrase.
Match the phrase to the best situation.
Where would you most likely hear 'Let me explain simply'?
Teachers often need to simplify complex ideas for young children.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesI don't understand this math problem. Can you ______ it ______ to me?
We use 'explain' as the verb and 'simply' as the adverb to describe how the action is done.
Choose the correct option:
You must include 'to' before the person and the adverb 'simply' after the verb/object.
A: The quantum entanglement causes a non-local correlation. B: I'm sorry, I'm not a scientist. Could you ______?
When asking for a clearer description of a concept, 'explain simply' is the standard phrase.
Where would you most likely hear 'Let me explain simply'?
Teachers often need to simplify complex ideas for young children.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, 'simplify' is the verb form of the concept. 'Can you simplify this?' is the same as 'Can you explain this simply?'
Yes, but it's better to say 'Could you provide a simplified overview?' for a more professional tone.
It's a common idiom that means the exact same thing as 'explain simply'—using everyday words instead of jargon.
Not if you use a polite tone. It shows you are interested and want to understand correctly.
Expressions liées
break it down
similarTo divide a complex topic into smaller parts.
in a nutshell
similarTo give a very short summary.
layman's terms
specialized formWords that a non-expert can understand.
overcomplicate
contrastTo make something more difficult than it needs to be.
