is not a simple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not a simple" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing something that is complex or multifaceted. Example: "The solution to the problem is not a simple one." Alternative expressions include "is not straightforward," "is not easy," and "is not trivial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The brain is not a simple machine".

The New Yorker

This is not a simple condition.

The Economist

It is not a simple story, exactly.

The New York Times

"This is not a simple drill".

The New York Times

But migration is not a simple issue.

The Economist

"Migraine is not a simple disorder.

The New York Times - Health

But it is not a simple route.

The Guardian - Books

Love is not a simple thing.

The New York Times

There is not a simple answer.

The Guardian

This is not a simple process".

The New York Times

The choice is not a simple one.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with a specific noun like "matter", "issue", "task", or "process" to provide immediate clarity on what exactly is complex.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase as a standalone statement without immediately following up with the specific factors that make the subject complex. Without elaboration, the phrase can seem like a filler or an attempt to avoid giving a clear answer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not a simple" consists of the linking verb "is", the negation "not", the indefinite article "a", and the adjective "simple". In a sentence, it functions as a negated predicate adjective phrase that serves to define a subject by what it is not. According to Ludwig, it is a grammatically standard and widely accepted way to introduce nuance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Wiki

3%

Informal Speech

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not a simple" is an essential tool in English for articulating complexity. Ludwig AI highlights its frequent appearance in top-tier publications such as The Guardian and The New York Times, indicating its status as a cornerstone of formal and neutral writing. It is used across various domains—from describing the intricacies of the human brain in The New Yorker to discussing global migration in The Economist. Because it is grammatically sound and rhetorically powerful, it is highly recommended for any writer looking to challenge a basic assumption and lead the reader toward a more sophisticated understanding of a topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is far from simple

Adds emphasis by suggesting a significant distance from simplicity

is anything but simple

A more idiomatic and emphatic way to deny simplicity

is not a straightforward

Shifts the focus specifically toward the lack of directness or ease of understanding

is not a trivial

Used often in technical or mathematical contexts to denote significant difficulty

is no easy

A more colloquial but still standard way to express difficulty

is a complex

A positive statement of complexity rather than a negation of simplicity

is a multifaceted

Emphasizes that there are many different aspects to the subject

is not a basic

Focuses on the level of sophistication rather than just difficulty

is not an uncomplicated

A double negative that is more formal and slightly more wordy

is not a plain

Suggests a lack of obviousness or lack of ornamentation

FAQs

How to use "is not a simple" in a sentence?

You can use it to highlight complexity in various contexts. For example, "The recovery process "is not a simple" one and requires patience."

What can I say instead of "is not a simple"?

Depending on your intent, you can use phrases like "is far from simple", "is not straightforward", or "is a complex".

Which is correct, "is not a simple" or "is no simple"?

Both can be correct depending on the noun following them. However, "is not a simple" is the standard construction for general use, whereas "is no simple" is often followed by a noun to emphasize the magnitude of the subject (e.g., "this is no simple task").

What's the difference between "is not a simple" and "is not a straightforward"?

While similar, ""is not a simple"" is broader and refers to general complexity, while "is not a straightforward" specifically implies that the path or logic is not direct or easy to follow.