has simply been

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has simply been" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a state or condition that has existed without change over a period of time, often emphasizing the simplicity or clarity of that state. Example: "The project has simply been a matter of time management and organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Battier has simply been brutal.

The New York Times - Sports

Gardner has simply been too good.

The New York Times

Perry has simply been more brazen about it.

The New York Times

The growth has simply been faster than they ever imagined.

The New Yorker

Ataman's contribution has simply been to select, edit and juxtapose.

The Guardian - Arts

Perhaps, some here fear, it has simply been too long.

The New York Times

In Israeli terms, he has simply been around forever.

The New York Times

My life has simply been informed by flow points".

The Guardian - Arts

Debt has simply been transferred from the private to the public sector.

The Economist

For those still within Syria, the challenge has simply been to stay safe.

The New York Times

"Perhaps there has simply been political pressure to send a woman into orbit?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has simply been" to convey that a situation is straightforward or uncomplicated, avoiding unnecessary complexity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "has simply been" in every sentence as it can make your writing monotonous. Mix it up with alternatives like "has merely been" or "has only been" for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has simply been" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject to a predicate that describes its state or condition. It emphasizes the straightforward nature of the described state. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has simply been" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a state or condition, often emphasizing its straightforward nature. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and applicable across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business communications. While it effectively conveys simplicity, avoid overuse by incorporating alternatives like "has merely been" or "has only been". Its directness makes it a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has merely been

Replaces "simply" with "merely", suggesting something is only just the case and nothing more.

has purely been

Replaces "simply" with "purely" to emphasize that something is exclusively of a certain nature.

has only been

Emphasizes that something is limited to only being in a particular state.

has essentially been

Suggests that something is fundamentally in a particular state.

has plainly been

Uses "plainly" to indicate that something is obviously in a particular state.

has clearly been

Indicates that something is evidently in a particular state.

has largely been

Implies that something is mostly or to a great extent in a certain state.

has just been

Indicates that something has recently been in a specific state.

has effectively been

Indicates that something is practically or virtually in a certain state.

has basically been

Suggests that something is fundamentally in a specific state, though details may differ.

FAQs

How can I use "has simply been" in a sentence?

Use "has simply been" to indicate a state or condition that hasn't changed or is easily understood. For example, "The process "has simply been" a matter of following instructions."

What are some alternatives to "has simply been"?

You can use alternatives like "has merely been", "has only been", or "has just been" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "has simply been"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that a situation is not complex or has remained unchanged. It's useful for providing clarity and directness in your writing.

What's the difference between "has simply been" and "has always been"?

"Has simply been" suggests a lack of complexity or a straightforward situation, whereas "has always been" implies a state that has existed continuously from the past to the present. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize simplicity or continuity.