is simply that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is simply that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to clarify or emphasize a point being made, often preceding a conclusion or explanation. Example: "The issue at hand is simply that we need more time to complete the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But energy is simply that ½ mv2 for each molecule.

Yale University

Tic Tac Toe is simply that - Tic Tac Toe.

Stanford University

Or maybe it is simply: that way I win.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The first is simply that unshielded lights send their light in all directions, including straight up.

Cornell University

And I'm not claiming that I'm superperceptive — the improvement is simply that obvious.

The New York Times

Russell's response is simply that "Whatever are, are many".

SEP

It is simply that oil is moving toward the twilight of our economy.

Forbes

Perhaps the answer is simply that things look different in hindsight (see Braund 2009).

SEP

It is simply that important.

HuffPost

Qooca is simply that amazing.

HuffPost

Another reason is simply that carob adds its own taste dimension to food.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is simply that" to introduce a clear and concise explanation, avoiding unnecessary jargon.

Common error

Avoid using "is simply that" repeatedly in close proximity, as it can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your sentence structure and use synonyms to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is simply that" functions as a linking phrase, connecting a statement to its explanation or underlying reason. It serves to introduce a clarification or a core point, often simplifying a more complex issue. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

20%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is simply that" serves as a linking phrase to introduce a clear and direct explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse sources, including news, academic, and scientific contexts. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "is merely that" or "is just that" to maintain writing flow. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for various communication styles, reinforcing its utility in both formal and informal scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is merely that

Replaces "simply" with "merely", softening the emphasis slightly.

is just that

Substitutes "simply" with "just", offering a more informal tone.

is only that

Replaces "simply" with "only", highlighting the limited scope of the explanation.

is essentially that

Focuses on the core or key aspect of the explanation.

is fundamentally that

Highlights the foundational nature of the explanation.

is basically that

Offers a more casual way to introduce a basic explanation.

amounts to that

Uses a more formal verb phrase to convey the idea of a summary or conclusion.

reduces to that

Emphasizes a simplification or distillation of a complex idea.

boils down to that

Uses an idiom to suggest the explanation is the most important element.

the heart of the matter is that

More verbose and emphasizes the crux of the issue

FAQs

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

The phrase "is simply that" is used to introduce a straightforward explanation or the core reason for something. For example, "The reason for the delay "is simply that" we encountered unforeseen technical difficulties."

What are some alternatives to "is simply that"?

You can use alternatives like "is just that", "is merely that", or "amounts to that" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "is simply that" in writing?

It is appropriate when you want to provide a clear and uncomplicated explanation, often to clarify a complex situation or argument. It's suitable for various contexts, from formal writing to more casual communication.

Is there a difference in meaning between "is simply that" and "is just that"?

While both phrases are similar, "is simply that" can sometimes imply a slightly greater degree of surprise or emphasis on the straightforward nature of the explanation compared to "is just that".