it was rather simple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was rather simple" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that was easy to understand or accomplish. Example: "After reviewing the instructions, I realized that it was rather simple to assemble the furniture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It was rather simple.

The New Yorker

But for Daifu it was rather simple and naïve from the start.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

ZB of New York wrote: This is a suspect, and highly speculative, conversation; but if we must, it's rather simple, I think.

The New York Times

Ben Ahmed said, "I have the impression in fact that it's rather simple, how these people can flip from one day to the next".

The New Yorker

It's rather simple.

Forbes

Mapping the invisible may sound impossible, but in fact it's rather simple.

Science Magazine

Steve Jobs didn't spend that much time on the announcement, mainly because it's rather simple.

TechCrunch

Thankfully it's rather simple to trick Siri into giving you directions with Google Maps instead.

TechCrunch

However, we work with only 2-D problems because it is rather simple to show how MT responses near coastlines are affected by bathymetry, and the accuracy of the forward code, in two dimensions.

Earth, Planets and Space

Among the sediment transport models mentioned in the previous section, we choose to build and use a two-dimensional model based on the method by Takahashi et al. (2000) because it is rather simple compare to the three-dimensional models.

Earth, Planets and Space

The proposed naphtha reforming model is characterized with the high level of kinetic scheme detailization (62 individual and group reactants and 146 individual reactions), at the same it is rather simple and provides the accurate description of the experimental data using only 22 kinetic parameters.

Catalysis Today

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was rather simple" to convey that something didn't require much effort or understanding. It's suitable when you want to downplay the complexity of a task or situation without being overly dismissive.

Common error

While "it was rather simple" is generally acceptable, overuse of 'rather' can sound overly nuanced or hesitant in very formal or technical writing. Consider using more direct synonyms like 'it was straightforward' or 'it was uncomplicated' in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was rather simple" functions as a descriptive statement. It typically serves to express the speaker's assessment of a situation, task, or concept as being easy to understand or execute. Ludwig shows that this expression is often used in news articles and scientific publications.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was rather simple" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something was not complex or difficult. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a versatile phrase found in various contexts, especially news and science, conveying ease and lack of complication. While generally neutral, more formal situations might warrant more direct alternatives like "straightforward". The analysis suggests the phrase is well-regarded and usable across many writing styles, though careful consideration should be given to the intended audience and level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was quite straightforward

Emphasizes directness and lack of complication, slightly more explicit than "simple".

it was fairly easy

Focuses on the ease of accomplishment, less about the inherent nature of the task.

it was relatively uncomplicated

Highlights the absence of complexity, a more formal alternative.

it was reasonably elementary

Suggests a basic level of skill or understanding was required.

it was pretty basic

Indicates a fundamental or rudimentary nature, slightly less formal.

it proved to be easy

Emphasizes the unexpected ease with which something was accomplished.

it was not at all difficult

Focuses on the absence of difficulty rather than the presence of simplicity.

it posed no challenge

Highlights the lack of difficulty, often used in contexts of skill or expertise.

it was readily achievable

Stresses the ease of achieving a goal or outcome.

it required minimal effort

Focuses on the small amount of effort needed to complete the task.

FAQs

What does "it was rather simple" mean?

The phrase "it was rather simple" means that something was quite easy or not very complex. It suggests that the task, process, or concept was easily understood or accomplished.

What can I say instead of "it was rather simple"?

You can use alternatives like "it was quite straightforward", "it was fairly easy", or "it was relatively uncomplicated" depending on the context.

Is "it was rather simple" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was rather simple" is generally considered neutral in tone. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but in highly formal writing, consider using a more direct synonym.

How to use "it was rather simple" in a sentence?

You can use "it was rather simple" to describe a task, explanation, or solution. For example: "After reviewing the instructions, "it was rather simple" to assemble the furniture".