is simply not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is simply not" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the negation of a statement or idea, often to clarify or assert a point. Example: "This solution is simply not effective for our needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

This, however, is simply not the case.

SEP

That is simply not so.

The New York Times

This is simply not true.

The New York Times

"It is simply not credible".

The New York Times

"It is simply not true".

The New York Times

"This is simply not accurate.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

It's simply not adequate.

The New York Times

I'm simply not thinking.

The New Yorker

"That's simply not true".

The New York Times

It's simply not true".

The New York Times

That's simply not enough.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is simply not" to clearly and emphatically negate a statement, especially when addressing misconceptions or contradictions. For example, "The claim that this policy will solve all our problems is simply not true."

Common error

While effective, overuse of "is simply not" can sound repetitive or dismissive in formal writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "is by no means", "is certainly not", or rephrasing the sentence to achieve a more nuanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is simply not" functions as a strong negation, emphasizing the untruth or impossibility of a statement. As evidenced by examples in Ludwig, it directly contradicts or dismisses a preceding claim. Ludwig AI confirms its role in forceful refutation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Science

10%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is simply not" serves as a potent tool for negation, widely utilized across diverse domains such as news, media, and academia. As Ludwig AI confirmed, its grammatical correctness and emphatic nature make it effective for expressing disagreement and refuting claims. Though incredibly versatile, bear in mind that relying too heavily on this expression might diminish formality. Consider diversifying your phrasing with alternatives like "is definitely not" or "is certainly not" to achieve a well-balanced and engaging writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is plainly not

Emphasizes the obviousness of the negation; slightly more direct.

is definitely not

Indicates a strong and certain negation.

is certainly not

Similar to 'definitely not', but may imply a degree of confidence in the assertion.

is absolutely not

Highlights the impossibility or unacceptability of something.

is just not

A more informal equivalent, often used in casual conversation.

is quite not

Slightly more formal and less common alternative.

is by no means

Emphasizes that something is not the case in any way.

is far from

Indicates a significant difference or distance from the expected or desired outcome.

is not really

Suggests that something is superficially true but fundamentally false.

is anything but

Strongly asserts the opposite of what might be expected.

FAQs

How can I use "is simply not" in a sentence?

Use "is simply not" to strongly deny or contradict a statement, as in "That explanation "is simply not" adequate to explain the complexity of the issue".

What are some alternatives to using "is simply not"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is plainly not", "is definitely not", or "is certainly not", depending on the desired level of emphasis and formality.

When is it appropriate to use "is simply not" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "is simply not" when you want to emphatically negate something, especially when addressing a misconception or incorrect assumption. However, avoid overuse to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "is simply not" and "is not"?

"Is simply not" adds emphasis to the negation, making it stronger than a simple "is not". It's used to convey a stronger sense of disagreement or refutation. For example, "The rumor is not true" versus "The rumor "is simply not" true".