Simply Put Synonym (Formal)

In formal writing, a synonym for “simply put” is often “in other words”, “to put it plainly”, or “to put it succinctly”. These phrases serve the same function—clarifying or summarizing complex information in a clearer or more concise way—but are more appropriate for academic or professional contexts.

Best Formal Alternatives to “Simply Put”

Formal Synonym	Meaning	Example Sentence
To put it succinctly	To express something briefly and clearly	To put it succinctly, the results support our hypothesis.
In summary	Used to present a concise overview	In summary, the policy failed to achieve its goals.
In essence	Capturing the core or basic meaning	In essence, the solution lies in better communication.
In other words	Used to rephrase something more clearly	In other words, the data was misinterpreted.
Fundamentally	Refers to the basic idea or principle	Fundamentally, the argument overlooks key evidence.

When to Use These Synonyms

Choosing the right synonym depends on the tone and purpose of your writing. For formal essays, research papers, or business communication, the following rules can help:

• “To put it succinctly” – Ideal for conclusions or summaries.
• “In summary” – Use at the end of a detailed explanation.
• “In essence” – Use when boiling down complex points to their core.
• “In other words” – Use when rephrasing technical or abstract ideas.
• “Fundamentally” – Use when emphasizing the underlying truth.

Conclusion

While “simply put” is clear and effective in casual writing, formal contexts demand alternatives like “to put it succinctly” or “in essence”. These expressions preserve clarity while maintaining a professional tone suitable for academic, legal, or corporate settings.

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