it so simple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it so simple" is not correct in English.
Did you mean "it's so simple"? You can use it to express that something is very easy to understand or do. Example: "Don't worry about the math problem; it's so simple that anyone can solve it."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Is it so simple?

The Economist

Were it so simple.

The Guardian - Opinion

Well, is it so simple?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"They made it so simple.

The New York Times

But he made it so simple.

The New Yorker

But not everyone finds it so simple a fashion statement.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

I do the bulk of the child care in our home, and I like to keep it so simple that even if I screwed it up, no one would really notice.

The New York Times

It's so simple, it's genius.

Forbes

"It's because it's so simple".

The New York Times

It's so simple that it works!

WikiHow

It is so simple".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for grammatical accuracy, always use the contracted form "it's" or the full form "it is" before "so simple". For example, use "it's so simple" instead of "it so simple".

Common error

Avoid omitting the verb "to be" (is) when describing something as simple. Saying "it so simple" is grammatically incorrect. Always include "is" to ensure clarity and correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it so simple" functions as a descriptive statement, though grammatically flawed. Ludwig AI indicates the correct form is "it's so simple". It aims to express a lack of difficulty or complexity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "it so simple" appears in various sources, especially News & Media, it is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI suggests the correct form is "it's so simple". When writing, especially in formal contexts, it is best to use the grammatically correct version or explore alternatives that convey the same meaning. While "it so simple" has a communicative purpose, which is conveying simplicity, its incorrect grammar reduces its usability and might be perceived as inappropriate. So, while the phrase is commonly used, especially in News & Media context, you must take extreme care if you opt for the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's so simple

Corrects the grammatical error by adding the contracted form of "it is".

it is that simple

Emphasizes simplicity using a slightly different word order.

it's really that simple

Adds "really" for emphasis, highlighting the ease.

it appears simple

Focuses on the perceived simplicity of something.

it seems straightforward

Replaces "simple" with "straightforward" to convey ease of understanding.

it is deceptively simple

Highlights that something may seem simple but might have hidden complexities.

it has been simplified

Indicates that something was made simple.

it's child's play

Uses an idiom to emphasize the easiness of something.

it couldn't be easier

Emphasizes ease by stating that it is impossible to be easier.

it is undemanding

Replace the phrase with "it is undemanding" to convey that task is effortless and requires minimal effort or skill.

FAQs

Is "it so simple" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "it so simple" is not grammatically correct. The correct form is "it's so simple" or "it is so simple", which includes the verb "to be".

What does "it's so simple" mean?

The phrase "it's so simple" means that something is very easy to understand or do. It implies a lack of complexity.

Are there alternatives to saying "it's so simple"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "it is that simple", "it seems straightforward", or "it is deceptively simple" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "it's so simple"?

The phrase "it's so simple" is suitable in informal contexts when explaining or describing something that requires minimal effort or understanding. However, be cautious of the context you are using the expression. For formal contexts, consider other expressions such as "it seems straightforward".