it was very simple

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Compared to other automatic rifles at the time," says Maxime Piadiyshev, editor of Arms Export Review, "it was very simple in production, use and maintenance, with eight moving parts.

The Guardian

Well, it was very simple.

The New York Times - Arts

"It was very simple," he told me.

The New Yorker

"No, no it was very simple.

Independent

"It was very simple," he says.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It was very simple," Ms. Lanahan says.

The New York Times

"It was very simple," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was very simple," Mr. Abad said.

The New York Times

It was very simple and easy".

The New York Times

It was very simple to get it to come together".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It is very simple.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was very simple" when you want to emphasize the ease or lack of complexity in a process, explanation, or solution. It's particularly effective when contrasting the simplicity with a perceived difficulty.

Common error

While accurate, relying too heavily on "it was very simple" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "it was straightforward" or "it was easy" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was very simple" functions as a declarative statement, typically used to describe the ease or lack of complexity associated with a task, process, or explanation. According to Ludwig, this is a correct and usable statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was very simple" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe something as easy or uncomplicated. Ludwig confirms this with multiple examples from reliable sources. While versatile, it's important to consider the context. In more formal settings, alternatives like "it was straightforward" might be more suitable. However, for general communication, "it was very simple" effectively conveys the intended message of ease and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was quite easy

Replaces "very" with "quite", slightly reducing the intensity of the ease.

it was really easy

Emphasizes the easiness using "really" instead of "very".

it was fairly straightforward

Substitutes the entire phrase with a more formal synonym.

it was dead easy

Uses a more informal and emphatic expression for easiness.

it was simplicity itself

Replaces the phrase with an idiomatic expression emphasizing simplicity.

it was child's play

Emphasizes the ease by comparing it to something a child can do.

it was a breeze

Uses a metaphor to describe how easy something was.

it was a piece of cake

Replaces the phrase with an idiom that implies easiness.

it was undemanding

Focuses on the lack of effort required.

it required minimal effort

Highlights the small amount of effort involved.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was very simple" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "it was straightforward", "it was undemanding", or "it required minimal effort". These options provide a similar meaning while maintaining a professional style.

What are some informal alternatives to "it was very simple"?

Informal alternatives include "it was a breeze", "it was a piece of cake", or "it was dead easy". These phrases add a touch of levity and are suitable for casual conversations.

Is there a difference between saying "it was simple" and "it was very simple"?

While both convey the idea of simplicity, "it was very simple" emphasizes the degree of simplicity. "It was simple" is a general statement, while "it was very simple" highlights that something was particularly easy or uncomplicated.

When is it appropriate to use "it was very simple" in writing?

Use "it was very simple" when you want to clearly communicate that a process, concept, or task was not complicated. It's effective when you need to reassure your audience or emphasize the ease of something, or even when contrasting a current process with a more difficult one. For example, "Compared to the previous method, "it was very simple"".