Not straightforward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Not straightforward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, task, or concept that is complex or not easy to understand. Example: "The instructions for assembling the furniture were not straightforward, leading to confusion among the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not straightforward malfeasance.

The Guardian

Not straightforward.

Journal of Shipping and Trade

Not straightforward at all.

BBC

It was not straightforward.

Independent

It is not straightforward".

Independent

"It's not straightforward stuff.

The New York Times - Sports

That's not straightforward.

The Guardian

But that is not straightforward.

The Economist

But it was not straightforward.

The New Yorker

Fellaini's situation is not straightforward.

Independent

Such prosecutions are not straightforward.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not straightforward" to convey that a process, situation, or concept involves multiple steps, considerations, or potential complications. It's suitable when a simpler approach might be expected but isn't possible.

Common error

Avoid using "not straightforward" when "simple" or "easy" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious. Reserve it for situations that genuinely involve complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not straightforward" functions as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, describing it as complex, intricate, or lacking simplicity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not straightforward" is a versatile adjective phrase used to indicate complexity or a lack of simplicity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is frequently employed in News & Media and Scientific contexts to convey that a situation, process, or concept requires careful consideration and involves potential complications. While alternatives like "complex" or "complicated" exist, "not straightforward" often carries a nuanced implication that something might initially seem simpler than it is. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the actual complexity of the subject matter to avoid sounding pretentious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Not simple

A more literal and less idiomatic way of expressing the same idea.

Not easy

Focuses on the level of effort required, rather than the complexity of the task.

Complicated

Similar to "complex", but often implies more intricate details or interconnected parts.

Challenging

Highlights the difficulty as a test of one's abilities or resources.

Complex

Single word alternative; lacks the nuance of "not straightforward" indicating something beyond simple difficulty.

Demanding

Implies that something requires significant effort, skill, or attention.

Involved

Suggests that something requires significant effort, time or attention.

Convoluted

Suggests that something is unnecessarily complicated and difficult to follow.

Intricate

Highlights the many complex elements that characterize something.

Tortuous

Implies something that is complex and unnecessarily difficult.

FAQs

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

You can use "not straightforward" to describe a situation, process, or idea that is complex or involves multiple steps. For instance, "The solution to this problem is "not straightforward" because it requires considering various factors".

What are some alternatives to "not straightforward"?

Alternatives to "not straightforward" include "complex", "complicated", "involved", or "not simple". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "not straightforward" or "complex"?

"Not straightforward" and "complex" are similar, but "not straightforward" often implies that something might appear simple but isn't, whereas "complex" simply indicates intricacy. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the deceptive simplicity or inherent complexity.

Can "not straightforward" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "not straightforward" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to indicate complexity or difficulty without being overly technical or informal.