is not as simple as

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of sentence 'is not as simple as' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to compare two ideas, usually to indicate that one is more complicated than the other. Example sentence: Finding the right job for me is not as simple as it looks.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But it is not as simple as sport rescuing him.

The Guardian

It is not as simple as just the reaper.

The Guardian - Books

But page turning is not as simple as it looks.

The Guardian

It is not as simple as it sounds.

The New York Times

Of course, it is not as simple as that.

The Guardian

Recruiting Democrats is not as simple as it seems.

The New York Times

This is not as simple as it sounds.

The New York Times - Tech

"And the music is not as simple as it sounds.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

This isn't as simple as it sounds!

Cornell University

This isn't as simple as flipping a switch.

The Guardian - Tech

The debate isn't as simple as it may seem.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not as simple as", ensure you follow up with an explanation of the complexities involved. Providing context clarifies the statement and enhances understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "is not as simple as" as a standalone statement. Always elaborate on what makes the situation or task complex to provide valuable insight and avoid vague assertions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not as simple as" functions as a comparative expression, used to highlight the difference between a perceived level of simplicity and the actual, more complex reality. Ludwig shows its use across varied contexts to introduce nuances often overlooked.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

27%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not as simple as" is a common and effective way to introduce complexity after an initial perception of simplicity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. To ensure clarity and impact, always follow up with specific details about what makes the subject more intricate than it appears. The phrase's prevalence in news, academic, and scientific contexts underscores its utility in conveying nuanced ideas across a range of registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is more complex than it seems

Emphasizes complexity, shifting focus from simplicity to inherent intricacy.

is not as straightforward as

Highlights the lack of a direct or uncomplicated path.

is more involved than it appears

Suggests a higher degree of engagement and detail required.

is deceptively complicated

Implies an initial appearance of simplicity that hides underlying complexity.

is not as easy as it looks

Focuses on the perceived ease versus the actual difficulty.

involves more than meets the eye

Indicates hidden aspects and considerations not immediately apparent.

is not just a matter of

Points out that something else needs to be taken into account.

is harder than you think

Highlights the unexpected difficulty of a certain situation.

is more nuanced than initially believed

Draws attention to the subtle differences and complexities involved.

is quite intricate

Uses a more sophisticated word to emphasize the complex nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "is not as simple as" in a sentence?

Use "is not as simple as" to compare something's apparent simplicity with its actual complexity. For example, "Solving this problem "is not as simple as" it seems because it involves multiple interconnected factors."

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

You can use alternatives like "is more complex than it seems", "is not as straightforward as", or "is deceptively complicated" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "is not as simple as" and "is not as easy as"?

"Is not as simple as" implies complexity, while "is not as easy as" focuses on the level of effort required. Choose the phrase that best reflects the core issue you're addressing.

Why is it important to elaborate after saying something "is not as simple as"?

Elaborating provides context and clarifies the complexities involved. Without explanation, the statement can seem vague or dismissive. Providing details adds depth and insight.