“Simply put” introduces a clearer, shorter, or less technical restatement. In formal writing, alternatives such as “in simple terms,” “in essence,” and “stated plainly” can preserve that function without sounding repetitive.
Choose the Phrase by What You Are Doing
- In simple terms
- Put simply
- Stated plainly
- In straightforward terms
- In essence
- In brief
- In summary
- To put it concisely
- Expressed succinctly
- Stated directly
- In other words
- To summarize
- Concisely stated
- In plain terms
- At its core
In simple terms
A clear formal alternative for explaining a complex idea in accessible language.
Example: In simple terms, the model predicts what is most likely to happen next.
Put simply
A close natural equivalent that remains acceptable in professional and academic writing.
Example: Put simply, the project costs more than the available budget.
Stated plainly
Useful when you are expressing a point directly and without euphemism or technical complexity.
Example: Stated plainly, the current process is not working.
In straightforward terms
Emphasizes clarity and directness rather than extreme brevity.
Example: In straightforward terms, the policy changes who is eligible.
In essence
Summarizes the core meaning while omitting less important detail.
Example: In essence, the agreement transfers responsibility to the local authority.
In brief
Introduces a concise summary rather than necessarily simplifying the language.
Example: In brief, the review found little evidence of long-term benefit.
In summary
Best when condensing several preceding points into a short overall statement.
Example: In summary, the three options differ mainly in cost and speed.
To put it concisely
Formal wording that emphasizes brevity.
Example: To put it concisely, demand exceeds current capacity.
Expressed succinctly
A more formal phrase for presenting the same idea in fewer words.
Example: Expressed succinctly, the intervention aims to reduce avoidable delay.
Stated directly
Best when the purpose is frankness and clarity rather than simplification.
Example: Stated directly, the proposal does not meet the required standard.
In other words
Introduces a restatement intended to clarify or rephrase the preceding idea.
Example: The process is asynchronous; in other words, participants do not need to respond at the same time.
To summarize
Signals that the next statement condenses preceding information.
Example: To summarize, the change reduces duplication and clarifies responsibility.
Concisely stated
A formal phrase for giving a compact formulation of a point.
Example: Concisely stated, the risk is low but not zero.
In plain terms
Emphasizes accessible language and is especially useful when avoiding jargon.
Example: In plain terms, the device stops working when the battery is empty.
At its core
Useful when stripping an issue down to its central principle or function.
Example: At its core, the debate is about how limited resources should be allocated.