a simple but

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a simple but" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrast or an exception to a statement that follows, often highlighting a complexity or nuance in what is otherwise straightforward. Example: "It's a simple but effective solution to the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A: Simple but perfect salads!

Huffington Post

A simple, but deadly, mistake!

The New York Times

IT IS a simple but brilliant idea.

The Economist

It's a simple but potent act.

The New Yorker

It is a simple but urgent lesson.

The New York Times

A simple but effective soup.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was a simple but effective trick.

The New York Times - Arts

Tell a simple but absorbing story.

The New York Times

A simple, but perfectly balanced, salad.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's a simple but brilliant technique.

The New York Times

It's a simple but effective tool.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a simple but" to introduce a seemingly straightforward concept that has an unexpected or important caveat. This can add depth and nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a simple but" when the contrast is trivial or doesn't add meaningful complexity. This can make your writing seem redundant or unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a simple but" functions as a modifier, typically preceding a noun or noun phrase. It introduces an element of contrast, suggesting that despite its simplicity, there's an important qualification or unexpected quality. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

38%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a simple but" is a versatile and grammatically correct construction used to introduce a contrast or qualification to an otherwise straightforward concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science, indicating a neutral register. When using the phrase, ensure the contrast adds meaningful complexity to avoid redundancy. Alternatives like "a basic yet" or "a straightforward although" can be considered for variety. The phrase serves to highlight a hidden significance or effectiveness within something seemingly uncomplicated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a basic yet

Emphasizes the fundamental nature coupled with an added dimension or benefit.

a plain yet

Similar to "a simple but", stressing lack of complexity but with added attribute.

a straightforward although

Focuses on the directness of something, despite a subsequent condition or limitation.

a clear although

Highlights lucidity alongside a contrasting element.

an easy however

Highlights the ease of something, immediately followed by a contrasting element.

a concise yet

Focuses on brevity despite an additional, often significant, characteristic.

a rudimentary still

Indicates something is basic but nonetheless possesses a valuable quality.

a minimal still

Indicates that even though it is kept at the possible minimum it still preserves a certain trait.

a modest however

Underlines the unassuming nature of something before introducing a contrasting aspect.

an unpretentious however

Stresses lack of affectedness alongside a contrasting element.

FAQs

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

Use "a simple but" to introduce a characteristic or solution that appears uncomplicated at first glance, but possesses an important qualification or complexity. For instance, "It's "a simple but effective solution" to a complex problem".

What are some alternatives to "a simple but"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a basic yet", "an easy however", or "a straightforward although" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but" after describing something simple?

Starting a sentence with "but" is generally acceptable in modern writing, especially for emphasis or to create a contrast. Using it after describing something as "a simple" is grammatically sound and can add a layer of complexity.

What's the difference between "a simple but effective" and "a simply effective"?

"A simple but effective" suggests something is easy to understand or implement, yet yields significant results. "A simply effective" means something is effective in a straightforward or uncomplicated manner. The first emphasizes the contrast, while the second emphasizes the directness of the effectiveness.