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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

it's not simple
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Alternative expressions(1)

it presents significant challenges

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's not simple greed.

News & Media

The New York Times - Books

But it's not simple either.

News & Media

The New York Times - Arts

"It's not simple administrative work.

News & Media

The Guardian - Money

It's complicated, it's not simple.

News & Media

The Guardian

Except it's not simple at all.

News & Media

The New York Times

"But it's not simple and without cost.

News & Media

The New York Times

It's easy but it's not simple.

News & Media

The New York Times

"In summation, it's not simple," Messick said.

News & Media

The New York Times - Sports

"It's not simple to make it work," he said.

News & Media

The New York Times

It's that simple, but it's not simple to say why.

News & Media

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

She conceived the idea for the song when she reflected about the scenario: "I thought, 'This is difficult but it's real, it matters it's not simple or easy but it's real'".

Wiki

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it's not simple" to acknowledge the complexity of a situation, especially when there's a common misconception that it is straightforward. It adds nuance and prevents oversimplification.

Common error

Avoid using "it's not simple" as a dismissal or to avoid explaining the intricacies of a topic. Always follow up with further clarification or reasoning to provide real value to the reader or listener.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's not simple" functions as a statement or assertion. It serves to qualify or challenge an assumption of simplicity, suggesting that a situation or problem requires deeper consideration. Ludwig shows that the phrase often introduces a contrasting viewpoint.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

12%

Wiki

Less common in

Formal & Business

Reference

Encyclopedias

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it's not simple" is a commonly used phrase to denote complexity and challenge oversimplified views. Grammatically correct, it serves to temper expectations and encourage deeper analysis across various contexts from News & Media to Scientific discussions. Ludwig highlights its frequent use in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While seemingly straightforward, mastering its usage requires understanding the nuances and appropriate follow-up explanations to provide genuine value. Alternatives like "it's more complex than it seems" offer subtle variations, adapting the message to specific scenarios.

More alternative expressions(6)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's more complex than it seems

Highlights the underlying complexity of the situation.

it's not as easy as it looks

Focuses on the perceived ease versus the actual difficulty.

it's quite complicated

Emphasizes the intricate nature of the matter.

it involves many factors

Points out the multiple elements contributing to the difficulty.

it's a multifaceted issue

Highlights that the problem has several aspects to consider.

it's harder than you think

Stresses the unexpected difficulty.

it's deceptively difficult

Focuses on the misleading appearance of simplicity.

there's more to it than meets the eye

Suggests a hidden layer of complexity.

it's far from straightforward

Highlights the absence of a direct or easy path.

it presents significant challenges

Emphasizes the obstacles and difficulties involved.

FAQs

How can I use "it's not simple" in a sentence?

You can use "it's not simple" to express that something is more complex than it appears. For example: "Solving climate change "it's not simple", requiring global cooperation and innovative solutions."

What can I say instead of "it's not simple"?

You can use alternatives like "it's more complex than it seems", "it's quite complicated", or "it involves many factors" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "it is not simple" instead of "it's not simple"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct. "It's not simple" is a contraction of "it is not simple" and is more commonly used in informal contexts.

What's the difference between "it's not simple" and "it's not easy"?

"It's not simple" emphasizes the complexity and multifaceted nature of something, while "it's not easy" highlights the difficulty in achieving or accomplishing something. You can use "it's not as easy as it looks" to express a similar idea.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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it's not simpleGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

it's not simple
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples