cannot be oversimplified as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be oversimplified as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing that a concept or idea is complex and cannot be reduced to a simpler form without losing important details. Example: "The issue of climate change cannot be oversimplified as merely a political debate; it involves scientific, economic, and social dimensions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The holistic view should not be oversimplified as absolute superiority of the whole over its components.

Biology Direct

The kinetic model we used in our study is oversimplified as it assumes constant rates of transcription and degradation over time.

BMC Genomics

We feel that the established distinction between uniparental and biparental care should be treated with caution, as it might be oversimplified for many animal species.

Behavioral Ecology

The belief that the AKI is triggered by myoglobin as the toxin responsible appears to be oversimplified.

Critical Care

Long term, as there are many varieties, it is difficult to generalize about them and the links to rampage shootings should not be oversimplified, or exaggerated.

Huffington Post

The goal is to introduce as many different perspectives to a subject that's been oversimplified into oblivion.

Huffington Post

This kinetics is oversimplified in many senses.

Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology

But that would be oversimplifying things.

Huffington Post

They inevitable oversimplify everything, insist that candidates should be oversimplifying everything too.

Huffington Post

The ideas expressed in the viral article Why Gen Y Yuppies are Unhappy are as pervasive as they are oversimplified.

Forbes

If 'race' as a concept is oversimplified, what can or should we use to describe and define our heritage or familial lineage?

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "cannot be oversimplified as", ensure you follow up with a clear explanation of the complexities involved. This provides context and prevents the reader from feeling misled by the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be oversimplified as" without elaborating on the actual complexities. Simply stating that something cannot be oversimplified without further explanation leaves the reader without a deeper understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be oversimplified as" functions as a qualifier, signaling that a subject is complex and should not be reduced to simpler terms. It's often used to introduce a more detailed explanation.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be oversimplified as" serves to introduce complex topics and warn against simplistic explanations. Though Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct, it is a relatively uncommon one. To effectively use this phrase, make sure to follow up with the nuanced details that make the topic so intricate. When using this phrase, remember its neutral-to-formal register and consider alternative phrasing for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be reduced to

Emphasizes the impossibility of simplifying something without losing essential details.

cannot be simplified to

Similar to "cannot be reduced to", highlighting the risk of simplification.

is more complex than

Highlights the inherent complexity of a topic, suggesting that simple explanations are inadequate.

is not as simple as

Suggests that a common understanding is an understatement of the true situation.

is a multifaceted issue

Focuses on the multiple aspects and angles of a problem, rather than its potential oversimplification.

requires a nuanced approach

Implies that simplification is inappropriate, and detailed handling is necessary.

demands a comprehensive understanding

Highlights the need for a deep and thorough understanding, as opposed to a shallow or simplistic one.

goes beyond simple explanations

Suggests that ordinary, simplistic accounts fall short of capturing the full story.

is not adequately explained by

Indicates that certain existing explanations are incomplete or inadequate.

resists easy categorization

Emphasizes the difficulty of fitting something into simple categories.

FAQs

What does it mean to say something "cannot be oversimplified as"?

It means that a topic or issue is too complex to be reduced to a simple explanation without losing important details or nuances. A more comprehensive understanding is needed.

What can I say instead of "cannot be oversimplified as"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot be reduced to", "is more complex than", or "requires a nuanced approach" depending on the context.

How can I effectively use the phrase "cannot be oversimplified as" in a sentence?

Use it to introduce a complex topic, then follow up with a detailed explanation of the intricacies involved. For example, "The economic crisis cannot be oversimplified as mere mismanagement; it involves global factors and policy decisions."

What's the difference between "cannot be oversimplified as" and "is an oversimplification of"?

"Cannot be oversimplified as" implies that an issue is inherently complex and resists simple explanations. "Is an oversimplification of" suggests that a simplified explanation exists but is inadequate or misleading. For example, "The issue cannot be oversimplified as just a matter of cost-cutting". Whereas, "Saying the company's issues are due to a lack of effort is an oversimplification of the real problems".