as simple as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as simple as" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to compare two things that are comparatively simple. For example: "Making dinner tonight is as simple as ordering take-out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

As simple as that.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's as simple as pie.

The New York Times

Were it as simple as that.

The New York Times - Arts

It's almost as simple as that.

The New York Times

Was it all as simple as that?

The New Yorker

So it's as simple as that".

The New York Times

Is it really as simple as that?

The New York Times - Sports

It's really as simple as that.

The New Yorker

It's as simple as that, really".

The New York Times - Sports

Is it as simple as that?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's as simple as that," Lehmann added.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as simple as" to clearly and concisely compare a task or concept to something universally understood as easy. For example: "The installation process is "as simple as" plugging in a lamp."

Common error

Avoid using "as simple as" when the subject is actually quite complex. Overusing this phrase can lead to miscommunication and frustration if the audience discovers the task is not as easy as presented.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as simple as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to emphasize the ease or lack of complexity of something by comparing it to something else that is generally considered simple. Ludwig AI confirms its validity through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as simple as" is a versatile comparative tool used to illustrate ease and accessibility. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and wide usage across diverse sources—from news outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian to collaborative platforms like WikiHow—underscore its effectiveness in communicating simplicity. When employing this phrase, ensure the comparison holds true to avoid misleading your audience. For nuanced expression, alternatives such as "as easy as" or "as straightforward as" can further refine your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as easy as

Replaces 'simple' with 'easy', emphasizing the lack of difficulty.

as straightforward as

Highlights the directness and lack of complications.

as uncomplicated as

Focuses on the absence of complexity.

no more complex than

Emphasizes the limited complexity involved.

merely a matter of

Downplays the effort or skill required.

a breeze

An informal way to describe something very easy.

child's play

Suggests extreme simplicity, often used to imply something is too easy.

a piece of cake

An idiomatic expression for something easily achieved.

effortless

Emphasizes the lack of effort required.

painlessly

Highlights the lack of difficulty or discomfort.

FAQs

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

Use "as simple as" to illustrate how easy something is by comparing it to something else that's known to be straightforward. For example, "The recipe is "as simple as pie"".

What are some alternatives to "as simple as"?

You can use alternatives like "as easy as", "as straightforward as", or "as uncomplicated as" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it's as simple as that"?

Yes, "it's as simple as that" is a common and correct way to emphasize that something requires no further explanation or is easily understood.

When should I avoid using the phrase "as simple as"?

Avoid using "as simple as" when describing tasks or concepts that are inherently complex or require significant expertise, as it can be misleading. Instead, use phrases that acknowledge the necessary skill or effort.