as simple as possible

USAGE SUMMARY

"as simple as possible" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or plan that is simple and easy to understand. For example, "Let's try to explain the concept in as simple as possible terms so everyone can understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Try to keep things as simple as possible," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

"Yes, they're as simple as possible," she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We've tried to make this as simple as possible".

The New York Times

"Things should be made as simple as possible.

The Guardian - Opinion

4. Keep impact assessment as simple as possible.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

No! I prefer to keep it as simple as possible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But I'll try to make this as simple as possible.

The New Yorker

"Rules should be as simple as possible," he said.

The New York Times

"You've just got to keep things as simple as possible.

The New York Times - Sports

(This graphic makes them as simple as possible).

The New York Times

We wanted to keep the chart as simple as possible.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In design, strive to make user interfaces "as simple as possible" to enhance usability and reduce user frustration.

Common error

Avoid reducing information to the point where it becomes inaccurate or misleading. While aiming to keep explanations "as simple as possible", ensure that essential details are not omitted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as simple as possible" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the desired degree of simplicity in performing an action or designing a thing. According to Ludwig AI, it's correct and suitable for describing plans or situations that should be easy to understand.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as simple as possible" is a common and versatile expression used to advocate for clarity, ease, and efficiency. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and widely accepted in English writing. Analysis of numerous examples reveals its frequent use in diverse contexts, including news, academic writing, and general instructions. While striving for simplicity is generally beneficial, it's important to avoid oversimplification and maintain accuracy. Related phrases like "as uncomplicated as possible" or "as straightforward as possible" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. Remember, the goal is to make things "as simple as possible", but not simpler.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as uncomplicated as possible

Replaces "simple" with "uncomplicated", emphasizing the lack of complexity.

as straightforward as possible

Focuses on the directness and lack of ambiguity.

as easy as possible

Highlights the ease of use or understanding.

in the simplest way possible

Emphasizes the method or manner of simplification.

keeping it simple

A more concise and informal way of expressing the same idea.

as plainly as possible

Focuses on clarity and lack of embellishment.

as minimally as possible

Emphasizes reducing something to its bare essentials.

as basic as possible

Highlights the fundamental or elemental nature.

as streamlined as possible

Focuses on efficiency and removing unnecessary steps.

for dummies

A very informal, almost condescending, way to express extreme simplification.

FAQs

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

You can use "as simple as possible" to describe the way something should be done, for example: "We need to explain this concept "as simple as possible" so everyone understands it."

What phrases are similar to "as simple as possible"?

Similar phrases include "as uncomplicated as possible", "as straightforward as possible", or "as easy as possible", depending on the specific context.

Is it ever bad to make something "as simple as possible"?

Yes, oversimplification can lead to inaccuracy. As Albert Einstein said, "Make everything "as simple as possible", but not simpler."

What's the difference between "as simple as possible" and "as simply as possible"?

"As simple as possible" describes the state of something, while "as simply as possible" describes the manner in which something is done. For example, you might want to make a process "as simple as possible", performing each step "as simply as possible".