as straightforward as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as straightforward as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very simple or easy to understand, often followed by a noun that represents something universally recognized as straightforward. Example: "The instructions were as straightforward as a recipe for boiling water."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Tom Brenner is about as straightforward as a Realist artist can be.

The New York Times

if only resolving that problem was as straightforward as a 140-character tweet.

The Guardian - Tech

That we can't manage something as straightforward as a bit of public-spiritedness in parking.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's not as straightforward as a Hollywood film: complete good guys and complete bad guys".

The Guardian

It may be as straightforward as a song published intact or as complex as access to the individual instrument tracks — or even individual notes.

The New York Times - Magazine

A rigorous system should be introduced to improve compliance with the police's requirement to inform victims – perhaps something as straightforward as a box at the end of the victim impact statement form".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Some of this was as straightforward as an older tune given a fresh makeover: the Roots, working with a strong horn section, brought a sinister funk vibe to "Shabby Doll" and turned up the heat on "Spooky Girlfriend," which also featured a spirited vocal turn by La Marisoul of the Los Angeles band La Santa Cecilia.

The New York Times - Arts

Only this time the threat to our Republic isn't anything as straightforward as an egomaniacal general.

Huffington Post

This one has a happy ending, but all too often, our child cannot tell us what he feels; even with something as straightforward as an ear infection.

Huffington Post

It can be as straightforward as striking a pose in a lacy little number or as coy as a picture featuring your pet, your cup of tea, and, NBD, yourself lounging in panties.

Huffington Post

Even something as straightforward as buying a new television — a mere display, the ads wink — spawns a salivating beast of Ethernet, HDMI and surround-sound tentacles.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as straightforward as a" to emphasize the simplicity and ease of understanding of a concept or task. For instance, "The user interface is as straightforward as a basic calculator."

Common error

While effective, overuse of "as straightforward as a" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "simple", "uncomplicated", or "easy to understand".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as straightforward as a" functions as an adjective phrase used to modify a noun by emphasizing its simplicity and lack of complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as straightforward as a" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote simplicity and ease of understanding. Ludwig AI validates its diverse application across different contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While effective, vary your language to avoid repetition, and consider synonyms like ""plain and simple"" or ""easy to understand"". Overall, it's a reliable way to communicate the uncomplicated nature of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

As simple as can be

Emphasizes the ultimate simplicity, suggesting nothing could be easier.

Plain and simple

Highlights the lack of complexity and straightforwardness.

Easy to understand

Focuses on the comprehensibility of something.

Without complications

Indicates the absence of complicating factors.

Very uncomplicated

Directly states the lack of complexity.

As clear as day

Highlights the clarity and obviousness of something.

Easy as pie

Emphasizes how easily something can be achieved.

A breeze

Suggests something is effortlessly easy.

Cut and dried

Implies something is settled and without ambiguity.

Elementary

Indicates basic and easy to grasp.

FAQs

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

Use "as straightforward as a" to describe something that is simple and easy to understand. For example, "The process is "as straightforward as a" recipe."

What are some alternatives to "as straightforward as a"?

Alternatives include "as simple as can be", "plain and simple", or "easy to understand" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "as straightforward as a"?

Yes, the phrase "as straightforward as a" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe something that is uncomplicated and easy to grasp.

When is it appropriate to use "as straightforward as a" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the simplicity and lack of complexity of something. However, avoid overusing it to maintain variety in your writing; alternatives like "cut and dried" might be suitable in some cases.