diff --git a/layer.md b/layer.md
index 900d8aab9..e0526f685 100644
--- a/layer.md
+++ b/layer.md
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ Where supported, MUST include file attributes for Additions and Modifications in
 
 #### Implicit Directories
 
-As the tar format describes filesystem layouts using a flat datastructure, it is possible to have so-called "implicit directories" where not all parent directories implied an entries' path in the archive exist.
+As the tar format describes directory hierarchies using a flat datastructure, it is possible to have so-called "implicit directories" where not all parent directories implied by an entries' path in the archive have their own entry.
 
 When applying a layer, implementations MUST create any parent directories implied by an entries' path, even if it is otherwise absent from the archive. Attributes of the created parent directories MUST be set as follows: