a straightforward but

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a straightforward but" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrast or exception to a statement that is otherwise clear or simple. Example: "The instructions were a straightforward but challenging task that required careful attention to detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

A straightforward but expensive solution is available, however.

The Guardian

To support its crabbed construction of the Act, the Court makes a straightforward but unpersuasive argument.

Cornell University

Stanbridge writes well for young children, with a straightforward but absorbing text.

The New York Times - Books

This paper reports on a straightforward but robust engineering approach for the calculation of the residual welding stress field.

Journal of Constructional Steel Research

In this communication we try to provide a straightforward but critical discussion on the meaning of the degree of crystallinity defined by the enthalpy of melting.

Polymer

A straightforward, but not scalable, solution, is to resort to a full-mesh of iBGP sessions between the routers of the domain.

Computer Networks

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

"It's a straightforward argument, but powerful.

The Guardian

It is certainly not a straightforward path, but nor is Mr. Romney's at this point.

The New York Times

This sounds like a straightforward instruction, but many enormously intelligent people fail to follow it.

The Guardian

It's a straightforward story, but a story that the Republican members of the commission don't want told.

The New York Times

Facebook provides a straightforward example, but country clubs and churches reveal similar dynamics.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a straightforward but", ensure the contrasting element is genuinely significant enough to warrant the qualification. Avoid using it for trivial exceptions.

Common error

Avoid using "a straightforward but" when the contrasting element is weak or insignificant. Overusing it can dilute the impact of your writing. Consider whether the contrast is necessary or if a simpler statement would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a straightforward but" functions as a qualifier, introducing a contrast or unexpected element to an otherwise simple concept. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

36%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a straightforward but" is a commonly used qualifier that introduces a contrast to an otherwise simple or clear concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and applicable in various contexts, particularly in science, news, and academic writing. It's essential to ensure that the contrasting element introduced by "but" is significant enough to justify its use, avoiding trivial or weak contradictions. Alternatives such as "a simple yet" or "a basic however" can offer similar nuances depending on the specific context. Overusing this construction can dilute its impact, so mindful and precise application is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a simple yet

Emphasizes simplicity more strongly while still acknowledging a contrasting aspect.

an uncomplicated yet

Uses a more formal synonym for 'simple' while keeping the contrast.

a clear although

Focuses on clarity before introducing a contrasting element.

a direct however

Stresses directness, followed by a contrast.

a basic however

Highlights the fundamental nature with a direct contrast.

a standard yet

Emphasizes the conventional nature with an opposing point.

an easy nonetheless

Suggests facility offset by a subsequent condition.

a typical although

Indicates normality before introducing a contrasting element.

a plain still

Highlights the ordinariness and introduces a contrast.

a routine but

Implies that something is typical but has a notable exception.

FAQs

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

Use "a straightforward but" to introduce a contrast or qualification to something that is otherwise simple or clear. For example, "The instructions were "a straightforward but" challenging task".

What are some alternatives to "a straightforward but"?

Alternatives include "a simple yet", "a basic however", or "an easy nonetheless", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "a straightforward but"?

It's not inherently redundant, but ensure the "but" introduces a meaningful contrast. If the contrast is weak, consider revising for clarity or using a simpler expression.

How does "a straightforward but" differ from "a simple and"?

"A straightforward but" implies a contrast or exception, while "a simple and" suggests complementary qualities. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize a contrast or a combination of attributes.