a little simple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little simple" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not very complex or is easy to understand, often in a slightly informal context. Example: "The explanation you provided was a little simple for someone with my background in the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

As that suggests, a little simple observational ability goes into her cartoons.

The New York Times - Books

Nothin' like a little simple sugar icing to get the blood pumping at 9 00 a.m.

The New York Times

And there's a little Simple Minds shimmer on "Celebration, FL," which would have held up the brattiest Brat Pack soundtracks.

The New York Times - Arts

Coetzee's deliberate complications can seem a little simple here, and it hardly helps that Anya and Alan are uninteresting caricatures.

The New Yorker

"With just a little simple math, you get more than 40,000 new cases," Dr. Holtgrave said.

The New York Times - Health

He was willing to let go of authenticity, and let me make him a Paloma with fresh grapefruit juice, a little simple syrup and soda water instead.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Your swing grew a little simpler.

The New York Times - Books

"They were a little simpler than maybe this high New York life," Ms. Quinn said.

The New York Times

CRAIG ROBINSON: Wait, wasn't there a time when things were a little simpler?

The Guardian - Film

Sometimes, defying its wont, science makes the cosmos look a little simpler.

The New York Times - Science

PEDRO DOMECQ, LA INA -- $12 A little simpler than the others, but pleasant and refreshing.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a little simple" to gently suggest that something might be too basic or could benefit from further development. For example, "The design is "a little simple" for our target audience, so let's add some more features."

Common error

While "a little simple" is acceptable in informal settings, avoid using it excessively in formal writing or presentations. Opt for more professional alternatives such as "somewhat straightforward" or "relatively uncomplicated" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little simple" functions as an adjectival modifier, adding nuance to a description. It typically qualifies a noun or idea, indicating a degree of simplicity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Tech

20%

Food

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a little simple" is a grammatically sound and relatively frequent expression used to describe something that is not very complex or easy to understand. As shown by Ludwig, it appears most often in news and media, as well as tech-related content. While Ludwig AI confirms its general correctness, it's important to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal synonyms like "somewhat straightforward" in professional settings. Ultimately, "a little simple" effectively conveys a degree of simplicity, but nuanced word choice ensures clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat straightforward

Emphasizes the lack of complexity and directness.

slightly basic

Highlights the fundamental nature and absence of advanced features.

relatively uncomplicated

Focuses on the absence of complications and ease of understanding.

kind of rudimentary

Suggests a basic and undeveloped state or quality.

a touch simplistic

Indicates a level of simplicity that might be perceived as insufficient or naive.

a shade elementary

Implies a basic and fundamental nature, possibly lacking sophistication.

minimally complex

Highlights the low degree of complexity.

somewhat undemanding

Suggests ease and a lack of difficulty or challenge.

rather unrefined

Indicates a lack of polish or sophistication.

slightly unsophisticated

Highlights a lack of advanced or complex features.

FAQs

How can I use "a little simple" in a sentence?

You can use "a little simple" to describe something that is not very complex or easy to understand. For example, "The explanation was "a little simple" for someone with my background."

What can I say instead of "a little simple"?

Alternatives to "a little simple" include "somewhat straightforward", "slightly basic", or "relatively uncomplicated", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "a little simple" in writing?

While grammatically correct, "a little simple" might be perceived as informal in certain professional or academic contexts. Consider the tone and audience when deciding whether to use this phrase.

What's the difference between "a little simple" and "a little simpler"?

"A little simple" describes something that is currently basic, while "a little simpler" indicates a process of simplification or a comparative degree of simplicity. For example, "The process became a little simpler after the update".