as a simple cup

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a simple cup" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is straightforward or uncomplicated, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "Her explanation was as clear as a simple cup, easy to understand without any unnecessary details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

FOR Richard Sapper, there is no such thing as a simple cup of coffee.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Professional chefs have long argued that there is nothing simple about a simple cup of flour.

The New York Times

I recognized a cup, a simple white cup.

The New Yorker

Silverman's work, which began as a series of simple cups and bowls, has grown — in both size and scope — to include pots shaped like eggs, spheres and torsos.

The New York Times

For a simple, pure cup of tea, try a white tea.

WikiHow

as a simple example.

The New York Times

Chen described Flow as "a simple game.

Wikipedia

By corporatising something as simple as a hot cup of coffee for someone on the streets, we distance ourselves from our deed of the day.

Independent

34 The development of complications can be set in motion by a seemingly innocuous first event (eg, a urinary tract infection can develop from dehydration, which can start with something as simple as a missed cup of morning tea).

BMJ Open

Some people prefer to use pots for plant cloning, while others will use something as simple as a plastic cup with holes poked into the bottom.

WikiHow

Page 1 A FLOORWIDE NETWORK It may have started with something as simple as a cup of coffee or a phone call across the hall to make sure everything was all right.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a simple cup" to illustrate something that is fundamentally basic or uncomplicated, especially when drawing a comparison to a more complex idea or object.

Common error

Avoid using "as a simple cup" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Consider alternative phrases or metaphors to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a simple cup" functions as a comparative simile, where the simplicity of the cup serves as a reference point to describe the straightforward or uncomplicated nature of something else. This is supported by Ludwig AI and the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

35%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a simple cup" is a grammatically correct phrase used to illustrate something basic or uncomplicated, functioning as a simile. However, Ludwig examples suggest that its usage is relatively rare. The phrase appears across a range of contexts, predominantly in news, wiki, and general media but, according to Ludwig AI, it is deemed suitable for use. To maintain writing clarity and avoid repetition, consider employing related phrases that offer subtle variations in meaning, like "like a basic cup" or "just a plain cup".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

like a basic cup

Replaces "as a simple" with "like a basic", emphasizing the fundamental nature.

such a simple cup

Uses "such" to highlight the cup's simplicity.

just a plain cup

Substitutes "simple" with "plain", conveying a lack of ornamentation.

merely a simple cup

Adds "merely" to underscore the unimportance or lack of complexity.

a straightforward cup

Replaces "simple" with "straightforward", focusing on directness.

an uncomplicated cup

Uses "uncomplicated" to explicitly state the absence of complexity.

a rudimentary cup

Replaces "simple" with "rudimentary", suggesting a basic or underdeveloped form.

a minimalist cup

Implies a design that is reduced to its most essential elements.

an easy cup

Focuses on the ease associated with the cup.

a humble cup

Emphasizes the unpretentious nature of the cup.

FAQs

How can I use "as a simple cup" in a sentence?

You can use "as a simple cup" to describe something straightforward, for example: "Her explanation was as clear as "a simple cup", easy to understand."

What can I say instead of "as a simple cup"?

Alternatives include "like a basic cup", "such a simple cup", or "just a plain cup", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "as a simple cup"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and can be used to make comparisons or descriptions, although it might sound more metaphorical than literal.

What's the difference between "as a simple cup" and "just a cup"?

"As a simple cup" implies a cup that lacks complexity or ornamentation, whereas "just a cup" simply emphasizes that it is nothing more than a cup.