is too simple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is too simple" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something lacks complexity or depth, often in a critical context. Example: "The explanation provided is too simple to cover the complexities of the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This is too simple.

The New York Times

That verdict is too simple.

The Economist

But that is too simple.

The Economist

But this is too simple a view.

The Economist

But this representation is too simple.

The New York Times

This pristine explanation, however, is too simple.

The New Yorker

Others believe this is too simple.

The Economist

To call them bigots is too simple.

The Guardian

For some, it is too simple.

The New York Times

To call Tuscarora corn an heirloom variety is too simple.

The New York Times

Some patients feel that it is too simple, even gimmicky.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "is too simple", be prepared to offer a more nuanced explanation or alternative perspective to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the topic.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "is too simple" without suggesting why or offering a more complete perspective. This can come across as dismissive rather than constructive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is too simple" functions as a critical adjective phrase. It qualifies a noun (often an explanation, theory, or solution) by expressing that it lacks sufficient detail or nuance. Ludwig demonstrates its use in diverse contexts, from critiquing narratives to assessing scientific models.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is too simple" serves as a polite yet critical way to point out a lack of depth or nuance in an explanation or analysis. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. While versatile, the phrase is particularly common in news, media and scientific contexts. To avoid sounding dismissive, remember to follow up with a more comprehensive perspective or alternative. When you want to highlight the need for more nuance in something, "is too simple" provides a constructive starting point.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is an oversimplification

Emphasizes the act of making something too simple.

is overly simplistic

Uses a stronger adjective to highlight the excessive simplicity.

lacks nuance

Focuses on the absence of subtle details and complexity.

is not comprehensive enough

Highlights the lack of thoroughness and completeness.

is a gross simplification

Uses "gross" to emphasize the extent of simplification and its potential inaccuracy.

doesn't capture the complexity

Directly addresses the failure to represent the intricate nature of something.

is a reductionist view

Implies a simplification that reduces something complex to its most basic elements.

is deceptively simple

Suggests that the simplicity is misleading and hides underlying complexity.

ignores key factors

Highlights the omission of important elements in the analysis or explanation.

presents a narrow view

Indicates that the perspective is limited and doesn't encompass the broader picture.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is too simple" is used to indicate that an explanation, analysis, or solution lacks sufficient detail or nuance to fully address a complex topic. For example: "Saying that the economic crisis was caused by one factor "is too simple"."

What are some alternatives to "is too simple"?

Alternatives include "is an oversimplification", "lacks nuance", or "is not comprehensive enough", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "is too simple" in formal writing?

Yes, "is too simple" can be used in formal writing, but it's important to follow up with a more detailed explanation or analysis. Using phrases like "is overly simplistic" or "doesn't capture the complexity" may be perceived as more formal.

What's the difference between "is too simple" and "is simplistic"?

"Is too simple" suggests that something requires more detail or complexity. "Is simplistic" implies that something is inherently basic, perhaps even naively so. The former is often a gentler critique than the latter.