it was simple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was simple" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that was easy to understand or accomplish in the past. Example: "The task seemed daunting at first, but once I started, I realized it was simple."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Arts

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

It was simple, really.

The New York Times - Sports

It was simple perfection.

The New York Times

It was simple".

The New York Times - Sports

It was simple, understated.

The Washington Post

It was simple maths.

Nature

"It was simple," Smith said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

It was simpler".

The New York Times - Health

It is simple.

The New York Times - Sports

It's simple: growth.

The New York Times

It's simple, dahling".

The New York Times

It's simple fairness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process, follow "it was simple" with a concise explanation of why it was easy to understand or execute to provide context.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "it was simple" without explaining why. This can come across as dismissive or lacking in detail. Always provide context to justify the statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was simple" functions as a declarative statement, expressing that something was not complex or difficult. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and usability, reinforcing its role in conveying ease or lack of complication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Sports

11%

Arts

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was simple" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey that something was easy or lacked complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability, supported by numerous examples across diverse contexts, including news, sports, and arts. While its simplicity makes it versatile, providing context is crucial to avoid sounding dismissive. Alternative phrases like "it was easy" or "it was straightforward" can offer more precision depending on the situation. By understanding its function and register, writers can effectively use "it was simple" to enhance clarity and communicate ease.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was straightforward

Emphasizes the direct and uncomplicated nature of something.

it was easy

Highlights the lack of difficulty involved.

it was uncomplicated

Focuses on the absence of complexity.

it was effortless

Implies minimal exertion was required.

it was a breeze

Suggests a task was completed quickly and easily.

it was undemanding

Highlights the lack of rigorous demands or effort needed.

it was elementary

Indicates the basic or fundamental nature of something.

it was rudimentary

Similar to elementary, but may imply a more basic level of simplicity.

it was painless

Emphasizes the absence of difficulty or discomfort.

it posed no challenge

Directly states the absence of any difficulty or challenge.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was simple" to describe tasks, explanations, or solutions that were easy to understand or implement. For example, "The instructions were clear, so "it was simple" to assemble the furniture."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "it was simple"?

Alternatives include "it was easy", "it was straightforward", or "it was uncomplicated". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it okay to use "it was simple" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the audience. In highly formal contexts, more precise alternatives like "it was straightforward" or "it was uncomplicated" might be more appropriate.

When should I avoid using "it was simple"?

Avoid using "it was simple" if the task or situation was genuinely complex, as it can undermine your credibility. Also, be cautious when describing the work of others, as it may sound dismissive.