it was relatively straightforward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was relatively straightforward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task or process that was not complicated or difficult to understand or execute. Example: "The instructions for assembling the furniture were clear, and it was relatively straightforward to put everything together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

But it was relatively straightforward then.

Independent

In fact, he said, it was "relatively straightforward".

The Guardian

The deal between Egypt and Israel went through because it was relatively straightforward and both leaders wanted it.

The Economist

This means that it was relatively straightforward for the team to take a photo, add a description and upload it without too much additional work.

The Guardian

The panel showed that it was relatively straightforward to reproduce the CRU analysis without needing to ask Jones and his colleagues for anything.

The Guardian

But Erik Sorenson, the MSNBC president and general manager, said that television news must accommodate the needs of baby boomers and Generation X. "For our parents' and grandparents' generation, it was relatively straightforward," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The claim gets its traction from the fact that it is very difficult to construct observables in canonical general relativity, while (apparently) it is relatively straightforward in the standard Lagrangian description.

SEP

It's relatively straightforward to navigate, too.

Independent

In Britain it is relatively straightforward.

The Economist

Once you are there, it is relatively straightforward to get an extension.

The Guardian - Travel

From the point of view of an Englishman, it is relatively straightforward.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was relatively straightforward" to subtly convey that a task, process, or situation was easier than initially anticipated, without implying that it was effortless.

Common error

Avoid using "it was relatively straightforward" when describing tasks that are inherently complex or require significant expertise. Misusing the phrase can undermine credibility or set unrealistic expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was relatively straightforward" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that a particular task, process, or situation was not overly complicated or difficult. It is often used to provide a sense of ease or simplicity, as Ludwig suggests.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was relatively straightforward" is a descriptive phrase indicating something was easier than expected. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for both News & Media and Science, maintaining a neutral tone. While synonyms like "it was fairly simple" exist, "it was relatively straightforward" strikes a balance between formality and approachability. Avoid using it to describe inherently complex tasks, and remember its communicative purpose is to assure ease, not triviality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was fairly simple

Changes the adverb "relatively" to "fairly" and the adjective "straightforward" to "simple", slightly simplifying the tone.

it wasn't too complicated

Expresses the idea by negating the opposite, using "complicated" instead of "straightforward".

it was quite easy

Replaces "relatively straightforward" with "quite easy", emphasizing the simplicity of the task.

it proved uncomplicated

Uses "uncomplicated" as an adjective to describe the subject, giving it a more formal tone.

it was reasonably easy

Substitutes "relatively" with "reasonably" and "straightforward" with "easy", maintaining a similar level of easiness.

it didn't require much effort

Focuses on the lack of effort required, rather than directly stating simplicity.

it was a breeze

An idiomatic expression indicating extreme ease.

it presented no major difficulties

Highlights the absence of difficulties encountered.

it was not particularly challenging

Indicates that the task or process did not pose a significant challenge.

it was manageable

Indicates that something was within the realm of being able to handle it, implying ease.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was relatively straightforward" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it proved uncomplicated" or "it presented no major difficulties". These options convey simplicity without sounding overly casual.

Is "it was relatively straightforward" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "it was relatively straightforward" is suitable for academic writing, particularly when describing methodologies or processes. However, ensure the context supports this claim, and the task truly wasn't overly complex.

What does "relatively straightforward" mean?

"Relatively straightforward" implies that something was easier or simpler than expected, but not necessarily effortless. It suggests a moderate level of ease compared to a typical situation.

Can I use "it was relatively straightforward" to describe a past event?

Yes, "it was relatively straightforward" is commonly used to describe past events or completed tasks. It indicates that the event unfolded without significant complications. For example, "it was relatively straightforward to set up the equipment once we had the instructions."