is relatively simple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is relatively simple" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase in situations where the thing being discussed is not necessarily incredibly simple, but is easier than something else could be. For example: "Drawing a cartoon character is relatively simple compared to animating them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maintenance is relatively simple.

The New York Times

Processing is relatively simple.

The New York Times - Food

The scheme is relatively simple.

The Economist

Relinquishing citizenship is relatively simple.

The New York Times

The technology is relatively simple.

The Guardian

Their formula is relatively simple.

The New York Times

The game's setup is relatively simple.

The New York Times

The geography, at least, is relatively simple.

The New York Times - Books

The math, though, is relatively simple.

The New York Times

But today's operation is relatively simple.

The New York Times - Magazine

On paper, the system is relatively simple.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or concept, use "is relatively simple" to convey that it doesn't involve many steps or complex considerations, making it accessible to a broader audience. For example: "The installation process is relatively simple, requiring only a few basic tools."

Common error

Avoid using "is relatively simple" when describing tasks that require specialized knowledge or skills, as it can mislead the audience and undermine the actual effort involved. For example, instead of saying "Brain surgery is relatively simple", acknowledge the complexity and expertise required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is relatively simple" functions as a predicative adjective, modifying the subject of a sentence to describe its level of simplicity. As shown in Ludwig, it describes an attribute of the subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

39%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is relatively simple" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is not overly complex. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for describing tasks, concepts, or processes that are easier or less intricate than one might expect. Usage is frequent in contexts like News & Media and Science, highlighting its versatility. To avoid overstating simplicity, remember to assess if the task at hand requires specialized knowledge. For alternative expressions, consider "is fairly straightforward" or "is reasonably uncomplicated" for conveying similar meanings with slight variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is fairly straightforward

This alternative suggests a lack of complication, emphasizing ease of understanding or execution.

is reasonably uncomplicated

This phrase focuses on the absence of complex elements, implying a moderate degree of simplicity.

is moderately easy

This alternative directly states the level of ease, indicating a moderate level of difficulty.

is comparatively basic

This phrase highlights simplicity through comparison, suggesting it's simpler than other things.

is not overly complex

This expresses simplicity by negating complexity, implying it's manageable and not intricate.

is manageable in its simplicity

This alternative focuses on the ease of managing or handling something due to its simplicity.

is acceptably easy

Implies that the level of ease is sufficient or meets certain criteria or expectations.

is plainly laid out

This alternative suggests that something is easy to understand because it's presented in a clear and simple way.

presents minimal difficulty

This alternative emphasizes the low level of difficulty associated with something.

is intuitively understood

This phrase indicates that something is easily grasped or understood without much effort.

FAQs

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

Use "is relatively simple" to describe something that isn't overly complicated compared to other similar things. For example: "Setting up the new software "is relatively simple" compared to the previous version."

What can I say instead of "is relatively simple"?

You can use alternatives like "is fairly straightforward", "is reasonably uncomplicated", or "is moderately easy" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is relatively simple"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that something is easier or less complicated than what might be expected, or in comparison to similar tasks or concepts. It implies that while it might not be trivially easy, it doesn't require extensive effort or expertise.

Is there a difference between "is relatively simple" and "is absolutely simple"?

Yes, "is absolutely simple" suggests something is entirely without complexity, while "is relatively simple" means something is simple compared to something else. The former implies an inherent simplicity, whereas the latter is a comparative statement. Therefore, ""is relatively simple"" is less definitive.