it was far from simple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was far from simple" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was quite complicated or challenging, contrary to what might have been expected. Example: "The project seemed straightforward at first, but it was far from simple once we started working on it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Typically, it was far from simple.

The Guardian

It was far from simple, however; hence his accomplishment in organising threads of research into a coherent whole.

The Economist

The 34-year-old Agassi had a much more straightforward task in the fourth round against Johansson, 22, although it was far from simple.

The New York Times

But it was far from simple to get a global manufacturing firm off the ground in post-conflict Liberia, a country rich in natural resources but still fragile following a bloody 14-year civil war that ended in 2003.

Stanford University

They literally called around the world, talking to Romania, Hungary, China, Brazil, India, Pakistan and Turkey, but figured out that it was far from simple, legally and diplomatically, to give away an 80,000-pound, asbestos-spiked subway car.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Simply stated, it's far from simple.

The Washington Post

The bond between mother and child may be primal, but it is far from simple.

The New York Times

It is far from simple to create an environment in which people can become more productive.

The Economist

Maintaining church buildings is a complicated task and the debate surrounding it is far from simple.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Marine Conservation Society's free Good Fish Guide app contains all the information you need, but it is far from simple.

The Guardian

It just can't make sense, but we have to live through it all anyway, and it is far from simple.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was far from simple" to subtly convey that a situation or task was more difficult than it initially appeared, adding a touch of understatement.

Common error

Avoid using "it was far from simple" when describing genuinely easy tasks; reserve it for situations that presented unexpected difficulties or complexities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was far from simple" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying the subject "it". It describes the state or condition of something, indicating that it possessed unexpected complexity or difficulty, contrasting with an initial assumption or expectation of simplicity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was far from simple" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, that serves to convey the unexpected complexity of a situation. Although not exceedingly common, it finds its primary usage in news and academic contexts. Alternatives like "it was anything but easy" or "it proved to be quite challenging" can provide similar nuance. When employing this phrase, ensure it genuinely reflects unexpected difficulty, avoiding overuse in truly simple scenarios. Its understated tone makes it particularly effective for managing expectations and offering a more nuanced assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was anything but easy

Highlights the lack of ease, directly contrasting simplicity.

it wasn't as straightforward as it seemed

Highlights the difference between initial appearance and reality.

it proved to be quite challenging

Focuses on the challenging nature of the situation.

it was more complicated than expected

Points out the unexpected complexity.

it turned out to be rather intricate

Emphasizes the detailed and complex nature of the task.

it wasn't a walk in the park

Emphasizes the difficulty by using an idiomatic expression about ease.

it presented unexpected hurdles

Focuses on the obstacles that arose.

it involved unforeseen complexities

Stresses the element of surprise in the difficulties encountered.

it demanded considerable effort

Underlines the amount of effort required.

it was a tough nut to crack

Uses an idiom to describe the difficulty in resolving the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "it was far from simple" in a sentence?

Use "it was far from simple" to express that something presented unexpected complexities or challenges. For example, "The theory seemed straightforward, but applying it in practice "it was far from simple"".

What are some alternatives to "it was far from simple"?

You can use alternatives like "it was anything but easy", "it proved to be quite challenging", or "it wasn't a walk in the park" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "it is far from simple"?

Yes, "it is far from simple" is grammatically correct and can be used to describe a current state or ongoing situation, similar to how ""it was far from simple"" describes a past situation.

What's the difference between "it was far from simple" and "it wasn't simple"?

"It was far from simple" implies an initial expectation of simplicity that was not met, while "it wasn't simple" is a more direct statement about the lack of simplicity without implying prior expectations.