as elementary as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as elementary as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the simplicity of one thing to another, often to emphasize that something is very basic or straightforward. Example: "Understanding the concept is as elementary as knowing the alphabet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Things might not be as elementary as they seem.

The Economist

The entire victory was as elementary as that goal.

The Guardian - Sport

I can't think of any commercial broadcaster that would do something as elementary as that".

The Guardian

RICHARD FORD: It was probably as elementary as my liking to write sentences that represent Frank's speaking voice on the page.

The New Yorker

The Vermont legislature declined to gl along with anything quite as elementary as that, but it did compromise with Lasser, on a handy ten-line form.

The New Yorker

The simple forehand volley caromed into the open court and the champion tumbled gently backward into the grass; the coup de grâce as elementary as the three service winners that preceded it.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

More than 12 percent wanted it for their children as early as elementary school.

The New York Times

It can be done as early as elementary school, and should be.

The New York Times

Growing up in New Rochelle, N.Y., he expressed a talent as early as elementary school.

The New York Times - Books

The agreement will allow both unions to unionize workers at universities as well as elementary and secondary schools.

The New York Times

Dr. Hutcherson advises that parents talk to their children as young as elementary school about sex and sexual abuse.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as elementary as" to emphasize that something is fundamentally simple and easy to understand. This phrase is effective in contrasting complex concepts with basic ones.

Common error

While grammatically sound, overusing "as elementary as" in highly formal writing may make your tone sound condescending or simplistic. Consider using more nuanced language to convey simplicity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as elementary as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, used to describe something as being fundamentally simple or easy to understand. It emphasizes the basic nature of a concept or task. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as elementary as" is a common and grammatically correct comparative phrase used to describe something as fundamentally simple. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While frequently found in news and media sources, it also appears in scientific contexts, though less often in highly formal settings. When using this phrase, consider the tone and audience to ensure it conveys simplicity without sounding condescending. Alternative phrases like "as simple as" or "as basic as" may be more appropriate in certain situations. Its purpose is to simplify or downplay complexity by comparing it to a concept most people find easy to understand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as simple as

Replaces "elementary" with "simple" emphasizing ease and lack of complexity.

as basic as

Substitutes "elementary" with "basic", highlighting fundamental nature.

as easy as

Emphasizes the lack of difficulty involved.

completely straightforward

Highlights the direct and uncomplicated nature of something.

patently obvious

Focuses on the clear and undeniable quality of something.

plain as day

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey extreme clarity.

uncomplicated

Expresses simplicity by negating complexity.

deceptively simple

Implies an apparent simplicity that belies underlying complexity.

fundamentally clear

Highlights the clarity that stems from a fundamental understanding.

child's play

Idiomatic expression indicating extreme easiness, often ironically.

FAQs

How can I use "as elementary as" in a sentence?

Use "as elementary as" to compare something to a very simple concept. For example, "The basic principle of supply and demand is "as elementary as" understanding that people want what they can't easily get".

What can I say instead of "as elementary as"?

You can use alternatives like "as simple as", "as basic as", or "completely straightforward" depending on the context.

Is "as elementary as" too informal for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "as elementary as" can sometimes sound too informal for rigorous academic contexts. Consider alternatives such as "fundamentally clear" or "uncomplicated" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "as elementary as" and "deceptively simple"?

"As elementary as" implies genuine simplicity, while "deceptively simple" suggests an apparent simplicity that hides underlying complexity. The first is straightforward, the second is ironic.