but simply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but simply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is straightforward or uncomplicated, often in contrast to a previous statement. Example: "I don't want to complicate things, but simply put, we need to make a decision today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But simply for clarity.

Harvard Business Review

But simply winning would not be enough.

The Economist

But simply outlawing them is wrong.

The Economist

Georges wasn't stingy, but simply austere.

The New Yorker

But simply building more isn't the goal.

The Washington Post

"But simply banning music doesn't seem right.

The New York Times

But simply peeling down helps, too.

The New York Times

But simply setting targets is not enough.

The Guardian

But simply expecting IT to work misses the point.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But simply understanding these relationships wasn't Zaman's goal.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But simply hiring a lawyer is not necessarily a solution.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but simply", ensure it effectively contrasts two ideas. The phrase works best when the second part of the sentence provides a clear, uncomplicated alternative to the first.

Common error

Avoid using "but simply" repeatedly in adjacent sentences or paragraphs. This can make your writing sound monotonous. Instead, vary your phrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but simply" functions as a contrastive conjunction, connecting two clauses where the second presents a more straightforward or uncomplicated alternative to the first. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but simply" is a commonly used phrase that serves to introduce a straightforward alternative, especially when contrasting with a more complex idea. It’s grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, although most frequently found in News & Media. Ludwig AI indicates that its purpose is to clarify and streamline an idea, emphasizing simplicity. When writing, it's advisable to use "but simply" thoughtfully to avoid redundancy and ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely

This alternative emphasizes the action is only what is stated and nothing more, focusing on limitation.

just

This term stresses directness and ease, implying lack of complication. It is very close in meaning, but may have slightly broader applications.

only

Emphasizes exclusivity, showing it's confined to the specified action or state.

purely

Suggests absence of additional elements, keeps the focus on the uncluttered nature.

plainly

This word underlines the straightforwardness of a situation, although it can also suggest frankness.

solely

Highlights something done exclusively by the subject or thing. Stresses lack of other factors.

strictly

Puts emphasis on adherence to precise details, suggesting that the condition must be exactly fulfilled.

fundamentally

Indicates that the action has to do with the core properties or actions.

at its heart

Highlights that the main qualities of the action reside within the matter.

essentially

Concentrates on basic aspects of an idea or situation, underlining crucial elements.

FAQs

How can I use "but simply" in a sentence?

Use "but simply" to contrast a more complex idea with a straightforward one. For example, "The solution isn't to overthink the problem, "but simply" to follow the instructions".

What phrases are similar to "but simply"?

Similar phrases include "merely", "just", or "only", all of which can emphasize the straightforward nature of something.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but simply"?

While starting a sentence with "but" is sometimes discouraged in formal writing, it is grammatically acceptable and common. Using ""but simply"" to start a sentence can effectively emphasize a contrast.

What's the difference between "but simply" and "but only"?

"But simply" emphasizes straightforwardness, while "but only" stresses exclusivity. For example, "The task isn't difficult, but simply requires attention to detail" versus "The task isn't long, but only takes an hour".