it is elementary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is elementary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is simple or basic in nature, often in a context where you want to emphasize the ease of understanding or execution. Example: "The concept of gravity is elementary; even a child can grasp its basic principles."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

It is elementary baseball, after all.

The New York Times - Sports

Equality is not some kind of ice-cream topping, a cheerful cherry atop an already rich sundae; it is elementary.

The New Yorker

Johnson responded by saying: "It is elementary my dear Watson, I deduce a simple case of BBC bias".

The Guardian

It is elementary that nations must be able to sustain their own populations through good times and bad.

The New York Times

It is a vision as ingenious as it is elementary, a why-didn't-they-do-it-already no-brainer of a plan.

The Guardian

It is elementary, he went on, that "this speech and association for political purposes is the kind of activity to which the First Amendment ordinarily offers its strongest protection".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

It is elementary-school wisdom that a square is a rectangle, but a rectangle is not a square.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

It was elementary in its construction, a charge down the right culminating with a low cross from Mateus.

The Guardian - Sport

It's elementary.

The New York Times - Sports

It's elementary semiotics.

The New York Times - Magazine

You might even say it was elementary.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is elementary" when you want to emphasize the simplicity of a concept or task, making it accessible even to those with limited knowledge. For instance, in explaining a scientific principle or a basic skill.

Common error

Avoid using "it is elementary" when discussing intricate or complex topics. This phrase can sound condescending or dismissive if the subject matter is genuinely challenging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is elementary" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is simple, basic, or easily understood. Ludwig examples show this phrase used to describe concepts, tasks, or ideas.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

2%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is elementary" is a common expression used to emphasize the simplicity or basic nature of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage in various contexts, including science, news, and formal communications. While the phrase is generally neutral to formal, it's essential to avoid using it condescendingly in complex explanations. Related phrases, such as ""it's straightforward"" or ""it's basic"", can offer alternative ways to convey the same idea with slightly different nuances. Remember to consider your audience and the complexity of the topic when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's straightforward

Focuses on the ease and simplicity of understanding or doing something.

it's basic

Highlights the fundamental or essential nature of something.

it's simple

Emphasizes the lack of complexity.

it's clear

Indicates something is easily perceived or understood.

it's obvious

Suggests something is easily noticed or understood without special knowledge.

it's self-evident

Highlights that something is clear without needing proof or explanation.

it's plain to see

Emphasizes that something is easily visible or understood by anyone.

it's a no-brainer

Implies something requires very little thought because it's extremely obvious.

it's evident

Suggests that something is easily perceived or obvious based on available evidence.

it's readily apparent

Highlights that something is easily and quickly noticed or understood.

FAQs

How can I use "it is elementary" in a sentence?

You can use "it is elementary" to emphasize the simplicity or basic nature of something. For example, "Understanding the rules of addition is elementary for solving basic math problems."

What are some alternatives to "it is elementary"?

Alternatives include "it's straightforward", "it's basic", or "it's simple" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it is elementary"?

Use "it is elementary" when referring to concepts or tasks that require very little skill or knowledge to understand or perform, and when you want to highlight their simplicity.

Is "it's elementary" different in meaning from "it is elementary"?

No, "it's elementary" is simply a contraction of "it is elementary" and carries the same meaning. The choice between them often depends on the desired level of formality in your writing or speech.