a simple operation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a simple operation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task or process that is easy to perform or understand. Example: "The software update is a simple operation that can be completed in just a few minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

** *** ** September eleven was not a simple operation.

The New Yorker

"It's not a simple operation in the tribal areas".

The New York Times

11 was not a simple operation," he wrote.

The New York Times

Certainly, a military offensive would not have been a simple operation.

The New York Times

"It can be treated through a simple operation under local anaesthetic".

The Guardian

The tragedy is, had I seen her a few months earlier, she would have been cured with a simple operation.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

A simple operation"So simple a child can use it," said its logo--the Dazey product used the same basic principle, developed in 1925, of opening a can using a toothed feed wheel that rotates the can against the cutting wheel.

Los Angeles Times

Since then, the number of vasectomies has steadily declined, despite the fact that a vasectomy is a simpler operation than a tubectomy.

The Guardian

And both devices and surgical techniques are constantly being improved; by delaying a joint replacement, you may end up with a simpler operation or more durable device.

The New York Times

Addition is the term BS BB), and multiplication is the term B. The usual recursive definition of multiplication based on addition may suggest that addition should be a simpler operation than multiplication.

SEP

When you're picking an idea and giving this business thing a shot, the experts we spoke to recommend starting a small, simple operation with a built-in market.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical documentation, use "a simple operation" to highlight that a process is easy to execute, making it more accessible to users.

Common error

Avoid using "a simple operation" when describing something that requires specialized knowledge or complex steps. Overstating the simplicity can mislead the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a simple operation" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the nature of the "operation", indicating its ease or lack of complexity. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a simple operation" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe tasks or procedures that are easy to perform or understand. As Ludwig AI confirms, its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse contexts, including News & Media and Science. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure that the described operation is genuinely straightforward to avoid misleading your audience. Alternatives like ""an easy procedure"" or ""a straightforward task"" can be used for variety, but the key is to maintain clarity and accuracy in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an easy procedure

Replaces "operation" with a more general term, "procedure", emphasizing ease.

a straightforward task

Substitutes both "simple" and "operation" with synonyms that highlight the lack of difficulty.

a basic function

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of the operation, suggesting it's not complex.

an uncomplicated process

Uses "uncomplicated" to convey simplicity and replaces "operation" with "process".

a facile maneuver

Employs "facile" to suggest ease and "maneuver" as a more specific type of operation.

a routine activity

Highlights that the operation is commonplace and doesn't require special skill.

a piece of cake

An idiomatic expression indicating extreme ease.

a cinch

Another idiomatic expression synonymous with "a piece of cake".

a walk in the park

An idiomatic expression suggesting the task is effortlessly easy.

child's play

Implies the task is so simple that even a child could do it.

FAQs

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

You can use "a simple operation" to describe a task or process that is easy to perform or understand, like "The software update is "a simple operation" that can be completed in just a few minutes".

What are some alternatives to "a simple operation"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "an easy procedure", "a straightforward task", or "a basic function".

When is it appropriate to use "a simple operation"?

It's appropriate when describing something genuinely easy to do or understand. Avoid using it if the task is complex or requires specialized knowledge.

How does "a simple operation" differ from "a complex operation"?

"A simple operation" implies ease and lack of complexity, while "a complex operation" suggests the opposite: difficulty and multiple steps. Understanding this difference helps ensure clear communication.