Not entirely straightforward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Not entirely straightforward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, task, or concept that is somewhat complex or has nuances that make it difficult to understand or execute fully. Example: "The instructions for assembling the furniture were not entirely straightforward, requiring careful attention to detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Such comparisons are not entirely straightforward.

The New York Times

The national picture is revealing and not entirely straightforward.

The Guardian

The application of these principles in the instant case is not entirely straightforward.

Cornell University

FOR investors, the short-term implications of the China growth story are not entirely straightforward.

The New York Times

The memo is not entirely straightforward, but Sabato believes the potential assassin was code-named CRITIC.

The Washington Post

In particular, the task of turning debris into a usable plasma is not entirely straightforward.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

This isn't entirely straightforward since the distribution of crater sizes we see today depends not only on the rate of impact in the past but also on the rate of disappearance via processes such as erosion, tectonic changes, obliteration by other craters and so on.

MIT Technology Review

This outsourcing revolution wasn't entirely straightforward, and there have been many bumps and false starts on the way as publishers worked out how to integrate freelancers into their workflow (it helped that many freelancers were former employees who already understood how things were done).

The Guardian - Tech

It wasn't entirely straightforward, and the home side went ahead thanks to a Tom Anderson own goal, but Walsall's second goal, scored by Sam Mantom, was the key moment, prompting a melee that ended with Dion Donohue getting a red card.

The Guardian - Sport

The answer isn't entirely straightforward.

SEP

Which brings us to some questions the answers to which aren't entirely straightforward.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not entirely straightforward" to introduce a nuanced explanation. It signals that a simplified explanation won't suffice, prompting a more detailed discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "not entirely straightforward" too frequently, as it can become a crutch. Vary your language with more specific descriptors like "complex", "nuanced", or "multifaceted" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not entirely straightforward" primarily functions as a qualifier, indicating that a situation, concept, or process possesses a degree of complexity or ambiguity. Ludwig's examples show it modifying nouns and clauses, signaling that a simple or direct approach is insufficient. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not entirely straightforward" serves as a valuable linguistic tool to introduce complexity and nuance. Analysis of the examples by Ludwig highlights its frequent use in News & Media, Science and Academia contexts and attests to its grammatical correctness and usability. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered usable in written English. While there are several semantically similar alternatives such as "somewhat complicated" and "not completely clear", this phrase effectively signals the need for careful consideration, cautioning the audience against oversimplification. Therefore, while a useful term, do not overuse it, and consider diversifying language to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Somewhat complicated

This alternative simplifies the language while retaining the core idea of complexity.

Not completely clear

This option focuses on the lack of clarity as the primary issue.

A bit intricate

This suggests that the situation has many complex details.

Not perfectly simple

This emphasizes the absence of simplicity.

More complex than it seems

This alternative highlights the deceptiveness of the situation's apparent simplicity.

Involves some complexities

This focuses on the presence of multiple complex elements.

Presents certain challenges

This shifts the focus to the difficulties posed by the situation.

Requires careful consideration

This emphasizes the need for thoughtful analysis before action.

Not without its complications

Highlights the presence of difficulties alongside apparent ease.

Far from elementary

This choice implies that the subject is far from being basic or simple.

FAQs

What does "not entirely straightforward" mean?

The phrase "not entirely straightforward" means that something is somewhat complicated or complex, and requires careful thought or analysis to understand fully. It suggests that a simple explanation is insufficient.

How can I use "not entirely straightforward" in a sentence?

You can use "not entirely straightforward" to introduce a topic or situation that has some level of complexity. For example: "The solution to this problem is "not entirely straightforward" and requires a multi-faceted approach."

What are some alternatives to "not entirely straightforward"?

Alternatives to "not entirely straightforward" include phrases like "somewhat complicated", "not completely clear", or "a bit intricate depending on the specific nuance you want to convey".

Is it grammatically correct to say "not entirely straightforward"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "not entirely straightforward". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly usable in written English and follows standard grammatical rules.