but not simply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not simply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is more complex or nuanced than it may initially appear. Example: "This issue is multifaceted, but not simply a matter of economics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

But not simply throws a blanket or quilt over you.

The Guardian

Yes – but not simply with a view to ratings-chasing.

The Guardian

This is telling a story of impact, but not simply through numbers.

Harvard University

Human rights discourse has played an ongoing role in the process but not simply as the means to promote peace.

University of Pennsylvania

Rivera drove to Boston on Friday, but not simply to relax.

The New York Times - Sports

Personally, I'd say it is different, but not simply because it's political.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

We always apply a wider view to ensure that we can see peripherally but not simply for the purpose of observation.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But it is not simply a perception.

The New Yorker

But it was not simply this.

The New Yorker

Not simply flat, but chilly.

The New York Times - Sports

But it is not simply the Communists.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ this phrase to encourage deeper analysis, prompting the audience to consider additional factors beyond the obvious ones.

Common error

Avoid using "but not simply" when a complete negation is required. If something isn't simple at all, a stronger contrast like "but it's actually complex" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not simply" functions as a conjunctive phrase used to introduce a qualification or refinement to a preceding statement. It serves to indicate that a situation, explanation, or characteristic is more complex or nuanced than it might initially seem. As seen in the Ludwig examples, this phrase commonly links a seemingly straightforward idea with a more intricate reality.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

23%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but not simply" is a useful conjunctive phrase for indicating that an initial assessment or explanation requires further depth and consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and quite prevalent across a range of contexts. While particularly common in news, media, and scientific domains, where nuanced analysis is critical, its application extends to any situation where qualifying a statement by adding complexity is beneficial. Remember to employ "but not simply" when you want to encourage a deeper understanding or counteract potential oversimplifications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but not merely

Replaces "simply" with "merely", emphasizing that something is more than just basic or superficial.

but not just

Similar to "but not simply", implying that something is more than what is immediately apparent.

but not only

Indicates that there are additional factors or aspects beyond the one being considered.

but not exclusively

Suggests that something is involved, but it is not the sole element or reason.

but not solely

Emphasizes that something is not the only factor or cause.

but not purely

Indicates that something is not composed entirely of one element or quality.

but rather

Introduces a more accurate or complete explanation after initially presenting a simpler one.

but not limited to

Highlights that something includes, but isn't restricted to, a particular aspect.

but it's more than

Directly states that something exceeds initial expectations or understanding.

but there's more to it than

Emphasizes the presence of additional, often hidden, aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "but not simply" in a sentence?

Use "but not simply" to indicate that something is more complex than it might initially appear. For example, "The solution involves technology, "but not simply" automating existing processes."

What are some alternatives to "but not simply"?

Some alternatives include "but not merely", "but not only", "but not just", or "but rather", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "but not simply" and "but not only"?

"But not simply" suggests something is more complex than it seems, while "but not only" indicates there are additional factors involved. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing complexity or inclusivity.

Is "but not simply" interchangeable with "but not exclusively"?

While similar, "but not simply" emphasizes a lack of straightforwardness, whereas "but not exclusively" highlights that something is not the sole factor. Choose the phrase that best reflects the specific relationship you're describing.