completely straightforward

USAGE SUMMARY

"completely straightforward" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adverb phrase used to describe something that is without complexity. For example: "The instructions were completely straightforward, so I was able to finish the project quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Help is very much at hand, the solution completely straightforward.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We should have been completely straightforward and said there is a legitimate issue here.

The Guardian

It's not completely straightforward - especially if you use the UK as an example.

The Guardian

Fleeing the danger zone has not been completely straightforward for China's environmental exiles.

The Guardian

"Maggie is completely straightforward and says it like it is, which I respect immensely.

The Guardian

"Dear Boy" is completely straightforward electro-infused house, and it's sharp.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

This technique is not wholly straightforward as it includes a filtering procedure that is not completely objective in that it requires an arbitrary choice of appropriate parameters.

Earth, Planets and Space

I wanted to be completely clear and straightforward about what I'm talking about.

The New Yorker

"Brenda is an absolutely straightforward, completely honest and principled person," said the Labour peer Helena Kennedy QC. "This idea of a man-hating feminist is wrong.

The Guardian

But some completely heads-up, straightforward hedge fund managers really do have very superior research capacities, superfast timing in execution and traders with great reflexes.

The New York Times

"I think it is really important, as we go forward in this debate -- and we have a long time left -- that we be completely accurate and straightforward and honest with Iowa's caucusgoers about where we stand," he said sternly to Mr. Gephardt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "completely straightforward" when you want to emphasize the lack of complexity or ambiguity in a process, instruction, or explanation. It assures the audience that understanding or execution will be easy.

Common error

While "completely straightforward" is widely understood, overuse in highly formal writing can make the tone seem less sophisticated. Opt for synonyms like "unambiguous" or "explicit" to maintain a more professional register.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely straightforward" functions as an adverbial modifier, intensifying the adjective "straightforward". It describes the manner in which something is done or understood, emphasizing its simplicity and lack of complication, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "completely straightforward" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that is remarkably simple and easy to understand. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves as an adverbial modifier, intensifying the adjective "straightforward". While it's generally suitable for various contexts, including news and media, it's essential to consider the formality of your writing. In more formal or scientific contexts, synonyms like "unambiguous" or "explicit" might be preferred. The phrase assures clarity and ease of comprehension, making it a valuable tool in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plain and simple

Uses a common idiom to convey ease and lack of complexity.

utterly simple

Replaces "straightforward" with "simple" and uses "utterly" instead of "completely" to emphasize ease.

perfectly clear

Focuses on the ease of understanding rather than the directness of the approach.

crystal clear

Emphasizes the clarity and ease of understanding.

entirely uncomplicated

Substitutes "straightforward" with "uncomplicated" and "completely" with "entirely", emphasizing the lack of complexity.

absolutely unambiguous

Highlights the lack of ambiguity instead of directness, altering the focus slightly.

fully transparent

Emphasizes openness and honesty, shifting the focus from simplicity to clarity and disclosure.

patently obvious

Indicates that something is so clear it requires no explanation.

as easy as pie

An idiomatic expression indicating extreme simplicity.

without any reservations

Implies there are no hidden complexities or doubts, focusing on certainty.

FAQs

What does "completely straightforward" mean?

It means something is very simple, clear, and easy to understand or do. There are no hidden complexities or ambiguities.

How can I use "completely straightforward" in a sentence?

You might say, "The instructions were "completely straightforward", so I had no trouble assembling the furniture".

What can I say instead of "completely straightforward"?

Alternatives include "utterly simple", "perfectly clear", or "entirely uncomplicated" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "completely straightforward"? Why not just "straightforward"?

While "straightforward" implies simplicity, adding "completely" emphasizes the total absence of complexity or ambiguity. It reinforces the idea that there are no hidden steps or difficulties.