apparently uncomplicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apparently uncomplicated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that seems simple or straightforward at first glance, but may have underlying complexities. Example: "The instructions for assembling the furniture were apparently uncomplicated, but I still struggled with a few steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

At the time of Mrs. Leitner's diagnosis, however, she felt in perfect health, having come off an apparently uncomplicated pregnancy.

The New York Times

This was a moment of entirely indisputable – and apparently uncomplicated – national heroism, one that Britain has clung to through thick and thin.

The Guardian - Books

On first reading, Roper's apparently uncomplicated appreciation of the everyday can appear almost too simplistic, but listen carefully to his beautiful descriptions and a conflicted sense of his own role within his poetry can be heard.

The Guardian - Books

Saga gets a new partner from Copenhagen, Henrik, who takes shedloads of pills and picks up random women, despite an apparently uncomplicated and lovely home life, yet appears to be shaping up as a great solver of things.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It might be boring to read the same thing over and again, but it's the truth," she smiles, exhibiting the same apparently uncomplicated honesty she demands of her subjects.

Independent

Placental and decidual samples were obtained from women undergoing elective surgical termination of apparently uncomplicated pregnancies.

Human Reproduction

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

She had given birth to at least one child at some point in her life, and apparently had uncomplicated pregnancies.

Huffington Post

Qualitative studies have found that most women with a history of childhood sexual abuse have apparently normal, uncomplicated births [ 4, 10, 16].

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

For example, in terms of the effects of referral systems on the personal economy of TBAs; since they charge for their services only after delivery, why would they refer apparently normal, uncomplicated pregnant women to formal health care facilities?

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

In 2001, a 31-year-old woman from Santa Cruz, Bolivia, delivered a 2,860-g 2,860-germ, apparently healthy baby at the Geneva University Hospitals after an uncomplicated pregnancy.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

This is in line with the results of the present study which demonstrate that children infected with A. lumbricoides are apparently less able to control their malaria infections, albeit uncomplicated malaria infections.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "apparently uncomplicated" to introduce a topic or situation that seems straightforward initially but may have hidden complexities that will be revealed later in your writing. It's useful for setting up a contrast or highlighting a deceptive simplicity.

Common error

Avoid using "apparently uncomplicated" as a definitive statement. It suggests something appears simple, but might not be. Failing to explore potential underlying issues can lead to incomplete or inaccurate analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apparently uncomplicated" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by an adjective. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for describing scenarios that appear simple on the surface but might have hidden complexities. Ludwig's examples shows its uses in describing pregnancy, honesty, heroism and poetry.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "apparently uncomplicated" is an adverb-adjective phrase used to describe something that seems simple or straightforward at first glance, but may have underlying complexities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's most common in news, media and scientific contexts and considered to be neutral in register. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a need for further investigation. Consider alternatives like "seemingly straightforward" or "ostensibly simple" to fine-tune your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seemingly straightforward

Replaces "apparently" with "seemingly" and "uncomplicated" with "straightforward" providing a very close synonym.

ostensibly simple

Uses "ostensibly" instead of "apparently" and "simple" instead of "uncomplicated", suggesting a surface-level simplicity.

superficially uncomplicated

Adds "superficially" to emphasize the surface-level appearance of being uncomplicated.

on the surface, simple

Expresses the idea of initial simplicity using a prepositional phrase.

outwardly straightforward

Replaces "apparently" with "outwardly" and "uncomplicated" with "straightforward", focusing on external appearance.

apparently simple

Simplifies the phrase by only using "simple" instead of "uncomplicated".

ostensibly uncomplicated

Swaps "apparently" for "ostensibly" which means similarly 'as appears or is stated to be true, though not necessarily so'.

facially simple

Uses "facially" to suggest simplicity based on initial appearance.

at first glance, uncomplicated

Highlights the initial impression of something being uncomplicated.

seemingly elementary

Replaces "uncomplicated" with "elementary" suggesting an ease of understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "apparently uncomplicated" in a sentence?

You can use "apparently uncomplicated" to describe situations or tasks that seem easy at first glance but may have hidden complexities. For example, "The software installation process was "apparently uncomplicated", but several users encountered unexpected errors".

What are some alternatives to "apparently uncomplicated"?

Alternatives include "seemingly straightforward", "ostensibly simple", or "superficially uncomplicated". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "apparently uncomplicated" always a positive description?

No, "apparently uncomplicated" isn't necessarily positive. It can imply that something is deceptively simple, potentially masking underlying issues or challenges. It suggests a need for further investigation beyond initial appearances.

What's the difference between "apparently uncomplicated" and "uncomplicated"?

"Uncomplicated" suggests something is genuinely simple without hidden complexities, while ""apparently uncomplicated"" implies it seems simple, but there could be underlying issues or difficulties that are not immediately obvious.