far from simple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "far from simple" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is complex or difficult, indicating that it is not straightforward. Example: "The project turned out to be far from simple, requiring extensive research and collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But her identity is far from simple.

The New Yorker

This however, is far from simple.

The New Yorker

The issue is far from simple.

The New York Times - Health

The problem is far from simple.

Columbia University

"Identifying 'the facts' is far from simple.

The New York Times

Answering them is far from simple.

The Guardian - Sport

The process has been far from simple.

The New York Times

It's basic stuff, but far from simple.

The New York Times - Science

The answers are far from simple.

The New York Times

But the picture is far from simple.

The Guardian - Opinion

Finding a fix is far from simple.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "far from simple" when you want to emphasize that something might appear straightforward but actually involves hidden complexities. This phrase is effective in setting expectations about the depth of understanding or effort required.

Common error

Avoid using "far from simple" when describing tasks or concepts that are genuinely easy to grasp. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound pretentious or exaggerate the difficulty of the subject matter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far from simple" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or concept to indicate that it possesses a level of complexity or difficulty that is not immediately apparent. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is usable in written English to describe something complex or difficult.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

26%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "far from simple" is a versatile and frequently used expression to convey that something is more complex than it initially appears. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. It functions as an adjectival phrase, adding depth and nuance to descriptions. The phrase is commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and scientific publications, highlighting its suitability for diverse writing styles. While "far from simple" effectively signals complexity, overuse in genuinely simple contexts should be avoided. Alternatives such as "quite complex" or "not straightforward" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anything but easy

Highlights the difficulty involved, presenting it as the opposite of simple.

not straightforward

Focuses on the lack of directness and ease in understanding or dealing with something.

quite complex

Indicates a degree of complexity without the comparative aspect of the original phrase.

rather intricate

Suggests a high level of detail and complication.

presents a challenge

Highlights the difficulty as an obstacle to be overcome.

highly involved

Emphasizes the numerous elements or factors that contribute to the complexity.

by no means elementary

Implies that something requires advanced knowledge or understanding.

demands careful consideration

Focuses on the need for thoughtful attention due to complexity.

not a piece of cake

An informal idiom conveying that something is challenging.

tough nut to crack

An idiomatic expression suggesting a difficult problem or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "far from simple" in a sentence?

You can use "far from simple" to describe anything that appears easy but is actually complex. For example, "The solution to this problem is "far from simple" and requires careful planning."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "far from simple"?

Alternatives include "quite complex", "not straightforward", or "rather intricate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "far from simple"?

Yes, the phrase "far from simple" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something is not as easy or straightforward as it might seem.

What's the difference between "far from simple" and "not simple"?

"Far from simple" emphasizes the contrast between an apparent simplicity and the actual complexity. "Not simple" is a more neutral statement that something is not easy or straightforward.