but otherwise simple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but otherwise simple" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has a particular quality or characteristic, while also being straightforward or uncomplicated in other aspects. Example: "The recipe is challenging at first, but otherwise simple once you get the hang of it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

Encyclopedia Britannica

The New Yorker

Plosone

WikiHow

The New York Times - Books

Huffington Post

The New York Times

The Guardian - Film

Independent

The New York Times - Style

The Guardian - Travel

Science Magazine

International Journal of Mass Spectrometry

TechCrunch

Geoenvironmental Disasters

Los Angeles Times

Analytical Chemistry

BMC Psychiatry

Bioinformatics

BMC Cancer

Genetics, Selection, Evolution

BMC Systems Biology

Polymer

Vice

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For stage 1 there may be the availability of a parallel version of the tool adopted (such as PSmile [ 43]), but otherwise simple motif space enumeration could be easily partitioned and mapped on distinct processors.

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The bivalve digestive system comprises a complex stomach and associated structures but an otherwise simple intestine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A.E.I. and Muzak constructed their in-store programs as sonic packaging for the otherwise simple clothes on display, but they also often worked in cahoots with record labels, sometimes débuting singles — such as Lenny Kravitz's "Fly Away" and Morcheeba's "Part of the Process," both from 1998 — before they were heard on radio.

The New Yorker

These conversions can only be performed for single, focused contrasts (e.g., cases with a single degree of freedom), but otherwise follow simple equations.

Plosone

This may require creativity if all of the item is supposed to be used on one plate, but otherwise, this simple task can make blemished produce look fine.

WikiHow

But Cary, who loops memory and flashback through an otherwise simple story, creates characters with such full-­bodied life that their predicaments remain vivid.

The New York Times - Books

That is some serious hardware on Caplan's dress, but it works because it is paired with an otherwise simple black gown.

Huffington Post

Not all roti recipes call for adding oil to the dough, but doing so can add a bit of flavor to this otherwise simple bread and can also soften it a touch.

WikiHow

And behind the sizable trunk, the tailights attempt to mimic Mercedes but miss badly with oddly positioned backup lights that detract from the otherwise simple design.

The New York Times

The décor is otherwise simple.

The New York Times

At the entranceways, otherwise simple houses bloom extravagantly.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but otherwise simple" to highlight a contrast where initial complexity gives way to an underlying simplicity. This can add nuance and clarity to your writing, making it easier for readers to grasp the overall concept.

Common error

Avoid using "but otherwise simple" when the subject is already inherently simple. This can make your writing sound redundant or condescending. Ensure there is a genuine contrast before employing the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but otherwise simple" functions as a qualifying conjunction. It connects two ideas, where the 'but' introduces a contrast or exception, and 'otherwise simple' indicates that apart from this exception, the matter is straightforward. This is supported by examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but otherwise simple" serves as a valuable tool for qualifying statements and highlighting underlying simplicity amid potential complexities. Grammatically sound and widely applicable across various contexts, as supported by Ludwig, this phrase effectively balances contrasting ideas. Ludwig examples and analysis show the phrase is common in News & Media and Science, advising writers to use it judiciously to avoid redundancy. Alternatives such as "however still simple" and "yet in other respects simple" provide nuanced options for expressing similar concepts. Remember to use "but otherwise simple" where a genuine contrast exists to ensure clarity and conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, still simple

Replaces the conjunction "but" with "however" and "otherwise" with "still", maintaining the contrast and simplification.

yet, in other respects simple

Substitutes "but" with "yet" and rephrases "otherwise" to "in other respects", emphasizing the limited scope of complexity.

nonetheless, fundamentally simple

Emphasizes the underlying simplicity despite potential complications by using "nonetheless" and "fundamentally".

despite this, essentially simple

Highlights that despite a preceding factor, the core aspect is simple, using "despite this" for contrast and "essentially" for simplicity.

apart from that, quite simple

Indicates that aside from a specific point, the rest is simple, replacing "otherwise" with "apart from that" and "quite".

but on the whole simple

Indicates the overall simplicity. Changes "otherwise" to "on the whole".

still, basically simple

Shortened version, emphasizing the fundamental simplicity, replacing "but otherwise" with "still, basically".

except for that, straightforward

Focuses on the straightforward nature excluding the mentioned exception, substituting "simple" with "straightforward".

besides that, plain

Highlights the plain or uncomplicated nature excluding the other element, replacing "simple" with "plain".

however, generally simple

Replaces the conjunction "but" with "however" and "otherwise" with "generally", maintaining the contrast and simplification.

FAQs

How can I use "but otherwise simple" in a sentence?

You can use "but otherwise simple" to show a contrast where something might appear complicated at first, but is actually straightforward in most aspects. For example, "The instructions were lengthy, "but otherwise simple" to follow".

What are some alternatives to "but otherwise simple"?

Alternatives include "however still simple", "yet in other respects simple", or "nonetheless fundamentally simple" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "but otherwise simple"?

Yes, the phrase "but otherwise simple" is grammatically sound. It follows standard conjunction usage and adverbial modification rules. It indicates a contrast (but) followed by a qualification (otherwise simple).

How does the phrase "but otherwise simple" compare to "but still simple"?

While both phrases indicate simplicity, "but otherwise simple" implies that there might be a slight deviation or exception, whereas "but still simple" /s/but+still+simple emphasizes simplicity despite a prior statement. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the qualification or the overall simplicity.