it was straightforward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was straightforward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task, process, or situation that was simple and easy to understand or execute. Example: "The instructions for assembling the furniture were clear, and it was straightforward to put everything together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It was straightforward," Heffernan said.

The Guardian - Sport

Nicholls said: "It was straightforward today.

Independent

"It was straightforward," he said serenely.

Independent

From a medical perspective, it was straightforward.

The New York Times - Health

It was straightforward from the outset.

The New York Times

Unlike Putin's, it was straightforward as well as shrewd.

The New Yorker

It was straightforward, I do it all the time".

The Guardian

"So it was straightforward really, but Seamus executed it brilliantly.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It's straightforward.

The New York Times - Sports

No, it's straightforward.

The New York Times - Magazine

Again it's straightforward.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was straightforward" to clearly and concisely describe a process, task, or situation that presented no significant difficulties or complexities.

Common error

Avoid using "it was straightforward" when describing tasks or situations that involve nuances, complexities, or potential pitfalls. Ensure that the simplicity you're conveying accurately reflects the reality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was straightforward" functions as a descriptive statement, typically serving as the predicate of a sentence. It asserts that a particular task, process, or situation was uncomplicated and easy to understand or execute. As per Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was straightforward" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to describe something that is simple and easy to understand or do. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in a variety of contexts. The phrase appears frequently in both News & Media and Scientific sources, indicating its widespread acceptance. While generally neutral in tone, it's essential to ensure that its usage aligns with the actual complexity of the situation being described. Alternatives like "it was simple" or "it was easy" can offer slight variations in emphasis, providing greater precision in conveying the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was simple

Replaces 'straightforward' with a more basic term, suggesting a lack of complexity.

it was easy

Focuses on the lack of difficulty involved.

it was uncomplicated

Emphasizes the absence of complications or difficulties.

it was clear-cut

Highlights the lack of ambiguity or doubt.

it was plain sailing

An idiomatic expression suggesting smooth and easy progress.

it was a breeze

An idiomatic expression indicating extreme ease.

it was effortless

Suggests that very little exertion was required.

it was a piece of cake

An informal idiom conveying that something was very easy to do.

it was no problem

Highlights the absence of difficulties encountered.

it was undemanding

Focuses on the lack of challenge or difficulty presented.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was straightforward" to describe a task, process, or explanation that was easy to understand or complete. For instance, "The instructions were clear, so "it was straightforward" to assemble the furniture."

What are some alternatives to "it was straightforward"?

Some alternatives include "it was simple", "it was easy", "it was uncomplicated", or "it was clear cut", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was straightforward" formal or informal?

"It was straightforward" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal situations might benefit from synonyms like "it was uncomplicated".

What's the difference between "it was straightforward" and "it was simple"?

While both phrases suggest a lack of complexity, "it was straightforward" often implies a clear path or process, whereas "it was simple" primarily indicates a lack of difficulty. The difference is subtle but can be important depending on the context.