is simply a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is simply a" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to explain something in simple terms. For example: "The lesson plan is simply a guide to help teachers structure their lessons."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Houellebecq is, simply, a satirist.

The New Yorker

This is simply a bridge too far.

The New York Times

He is simply a great man".

Independent

North Korea is simply a blank".

The New Yorker

That is simply a recognition of reality.

Independent

"This is simply a mistrust of government.

The New York Times

This is simply a disaster for her".

The New Yorker

Bullying is simply a difficult topic.

The New York Times

Superficially, it is simply a poor movie.

The New Yorker

It is simply a novel".

The Guardian

He is simply a gangster.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive subjects, "is simply a" can help frame potentially controversial issues in a neutral and objective manner.

Common error

Avoid using "is simply a" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive or condescending. Try to vary your sentence structure and word choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is simply a" serves as a descriptive connector, linking a subject with a simplified explanation or definition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to present information in an accessible way. It frames the subject in an uncomplicated manner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

13%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is simply a" acts as a linguistic tool to distill complexity, presenting concepts in an easily digestible manner. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase enjoys broad usage and is grammatically sound. It's most prevalent in news and media, serving to clarify information for a wide audience. However, overuse can lead to monotony. For enhanced clarity, consider alternatives such as "is just a" or "is merely a". While versatile, mindful application ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is just a

Replaces 'simply' with 'just', indicating a straightforward explanation.

is merely a

Substitutes 'simply' with 'merely', suggesting something is only what it appears to be.

is plainly a

Replaces 'simply' with 'plainly', emphasizing the obvious nature of something.

is purely a

Substitutes 'simply' with 'purely', indicating something consists of only one element or aspect.

is basically a

Replaces 'simply' with 'basically', highlighting the fundamental nature of something.

is essentially a

Substitutes 'simply' with 'essentially', indicating the core or intrinsic nature of something.

is fundamentally a

Replaces 'simply' with 'fundamentally', stressing the basic and foundational aspect.

is no more than a

Emphasizes the limited nature of something, conveying it's only a specific thing.

is nothing but a

Highlights that something is solely and exclusively one specific thing.

is at its core a

Focuses on the fundamental and most important element or characteristic of something.

FAQs

How can I use "is simply a" in a sentence?

You can use "is simply a" to offer a straightforward explanation or definition. For example, "A metaphor "is simply a" figure of speech that compares two unlike things."

What are some alternatives to "is simply a"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is just a", "is merely a", or "is basically a", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is simply a"?

It's appropriate when you want to explain something in a clear, uncomplicated way, or when you want to emphasize the fundamental nature of something.

Is "is simply a" formal or informal?

The phrase "is simply a" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although overuse in formal writing may sound simplistic.