is rather simple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is rather simple" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when contrasting something that is simple but may not have initially seemed that way. For example, "The solution to this problem is rather simple, though it may not have seemed so complex at first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The concept is rather simple.

The New York Times - Food

The situation is rather simple.

The New York Times

The history of Oroonoko is rather simple.

The Guardian - Books

"The conclusion is rather simple," Mr. Mineta wrote.

The New York Times

The vector math required is rather simple and illustrated in Figure 2.

Cornell University

The method, as the title suggests, is rather simple, consisting of four steps.

Yale University

In fact, for a Picasso, the Most Expensive is rather simple, lacking in energy.

The Guardian - Arts

"For us, the basic analysis in the paper is rather simple," Pederson said.

The New Yorker

The answer is rather simple: because Osama bin Laden is still the head of Al Qaeda.

The New York Times

— The formula that has propelled the Yankees this season is rather simple.

The New York Times - Sports

The math of Texas over the next dozen years is rather simple.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is rather simple" to subtly downplay complexity while still acknowledging potential challenges. This can be particularly effective when introducing a solution or explaining a concept.

Common error

Avoid using "is rather simple" excessively in highly technical or scientific writing where precision and detail are paramount. Instead, opt for more specific descriptors that convey the exact nature of the simplicity, such as "straightforward implementation" or "basic algorithm".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is rather simple" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It describes a subject by ascribing the quality of being simple to it. Ludwig AI confirms the acceptability and common usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is rather simple" is a commonly used adjective phrase that conveys a sense of ease and lack of complexity. Analysis by Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While seemingly straightforward, it carries a subtle nuance of understatement, suggesting that something is easier than one might initially expect. When using "is rather simple", it's advisable to consider more specific descriptors in technical contexts and avoid overuse. Alternatives such as "is fairly straightforward" or "is relatively uncomplicated" can offer more precise shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is, in essence, simple

Adds an introductory phrase to emphasize the simplicity.

is relatively uncomplicated

Uses "uncomplicated" instead of "simple", focusing on the absence of complexity.

is reasonably easy

Replaces "simple" with "easy", stressing the lack of difficulty.

is markedly uncomplex

Replaces "simple" with "uncomplex", emphasizing lack of complexity in a noticeable way.

is fairly straightforward

Replaces "simple" with "straightforward", emphasizing directness and ease of understanding.

is admittedly straightforward

Conveys a sense of acknowledging the straightforward nature of something.

is quite elementary

Substitutes "simple" with "elementary", highlighting basic and fundamental aspects.

is fundamentally clear

Highlights simplicity in terms of clarity and understanding.

is notably basic

Emphasizes the fundamental nature by using "basic" instead of "simple".

is surprisingly undemanding

Highlights unexpected ease and lack of difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "is rather simple" in a sentence?

Use "is rather simple" to describe something that appears complex but has an underlying simplicity. For instance, "The process of setting up the software is rather simple once you follow the initial steps."

What are some alternatives to saying "is rather simple"?

You can use alternatives like "is fairly straightforward", "is relatively uncomplicated", or "is quite elementary" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "is rather simple" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that something, despite initial impressions, is not particularly complex. It works well in explanations and summaries where you need to reassure the audience about the ease of a process or concept.

What's the difference between "is rather simple" and "is very simple"?

"Is rather simple" implies a slight moderation or understatement compared to "is very simple". "Is rather simple" suggests it's more straightforward than expected, while "is very simple" directly emphasizes ease.