be as simple as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be as simple as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the simplicity of something to another thing, often in a metaphorical or illustrative context. Example: "The solution to the problem should be as simple as possible to ensure everyone can understand it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It should be as simple as that.

The Guardian

Moreover, it can be as simple as a desired location.

Princeton University

It could be as simple as it's a name.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And it may be as simple as an off right.

Cornell University

But few expect it to be as simple as that.

The Guardian

Maybe it will be as simple as that".

The Guardian

Yet it can't be as simple as that.

The New Yorker

But it won't be as simple as that.

The Guardian - Sport

It could be as simple as someone asked him to.

The Guardian - Sport

It could be as simple as the boiler breaking down".

The Guardian - Money

It can be as simple as adding a stitch.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be as simple as" to draw a comparison that highlights the uncomplicated nature of something, making it easier to understand or implement. For example, "The user interface should be as simple as possible to navigate".

Common error

Avoid using "be as simple as" when the subject is inherently complex or requires detailed explanation. Overusing it can mislead readers into thinking a task or concept is easier than it is.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be as simple as" functions as a comparative phrase, used to illustrate the ease or lack of complexity of a subject by likening it to something inherently simple. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and versatile in its application.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

20%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be as simple as" serves as a comparative tool, emphasizing the lack of complexity or difficulty in a given subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. While the phrase finds use across diverse fields, it is especially common in news and media, aiming to convey ease and manageability to a broad audience. When using "be as simple as", avoid overstating the simplicity of complex subjects to prevent misleading your audience. Consider alternatives such as "be just as uncomplicated as" or "be no more complex than" to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be just as uncomplicated as

Replaces "simple" with "uncomplicated" while keeping the comparative structure.

be equally straightforward to

Emphasizes directness and ease instead of simplicity.

be no more complex than

Focuses on the lack of complexity as the key characteristic.

be as easy as

Replaces "simple" with "easy", highlighting the lack of difficulty.

be comparable in simplicity to

Formalizes the comparison of simplicity.

be almost childishly easy

Emphasizes extreme simplicity, almost to the point of being trivial.

be deceptively simple like

Highlights that the apparent simplicity might hide underlying complexities.

appear to be as elementary as

Focuses on the perceived simplicity rather than the actual simplicity.

be fundamentally as basic as

Highlights the core, essential nature of the simplicity.

be virtually self-explanatory like

Emphasizes that the simplicity stems from being readily understood.

FAQs

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

Use "be as simple as" to compare something to a well-known simple task or concept, such as "The setup process should "be as simple as" plugging in a lamp".

What are some alternatives to "be as simple as"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be just as uncomplicated as", "be equally straightforward to", or "be no more complex than", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "be as simple as" in formal writing?

While "be as simple as" is generally acceptable, in highly formal contexts, consider alternatives like "be comparable in simplicity to" for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "be as simple as" and "be easy as"?

While "simple" and "easy" are often interchangeable, "simple" emphasizes a lack of complexity or intricacy, whereas "easy" focuses on the absence of difficulty. Therefore, ""be as simple as"" refers more to the design or structure, while "be easy as" focuses on the user experience.