keep it simple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep it simple" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to advise someone to not make something overly complicated, for example: "If you want to get the job done quickly, just remember to keep it simple."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Let's keep it simple".

The Economist

"Keep it simple, stupid".

The New York Times

Keep it simple stupid.

Harvard University

Keep it simple, boys.

Princeton University

They keep it simple".

The New York Times - Sports

Also, keep it simple.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Always keep it simple".

The Guardian - Film

1 Keep it simple.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Kids keep it simple.

The Washington Post

Better to keep it simple.

The New York Times - Food

A. Keep it simple, stupid.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When explaining a complex topic, use analogies and real-world examples to "keep it simple" for your audience. Break down the subject into smaller, more digestible pieces.

Common error

Avoid oversimplifying to the point of inaccuracy. While you should "keep it simple", ensure you're not omitting critical details or distorting the information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep it simple" functions primarily as an imperative, used to give advice or direction. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is frequently used and understood in various contexts. The examples suggest it's used to encourage clarity and efficiency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep it simple" is a common and versatile imperative used to advocate for clarity and efficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It's particularly prevalent in News & Media and Wiki contexts, with a neutral to informal register. Related phrases include "simplify it" and "make it easy", each offering a slightly different nuance. When using "keep it simple", remember to avoid oversimplification and maintain accuracy. In essence, the phrase is a reminder to prioritize clarity and avoid unnecessary complexity in various aspects of life.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simplify it

Focuses on the act of making something less complex, rather than maintaining its simplicity.

make it easy

Emphasizes the resulting ease of understanding or execution.

reduce complexity

Highlights the action of diminish the complexity

avoid complications

Highlights preventing difficulties rather than promoting simplicity.

pare it down

Suggests reducing something to its essential elements.

streamline the process

Specifically refers to making a process more efficient by removing unnecessary steps.

declutter it

Implies removing unnecessary items or elements to achieve clarity.

dumb it down

Implies oversimplification, possibly to a condescending degree.

cut the fat

Suggests eliminating excess or unnecessary parts.

demystify it

Focuses on making something easier to understand by removing obscurity.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep it simple" as an advice or a principle to follow when facing complex situations or tasks. For example, "When designing the user interface, remember to "keep it simple" to ensure ease of use".

What does "keep it simple" mean?

"Keep it simple" means to avoid unnecessary complexity and focus on the essential elements of a task, idea, or process. It suggests prioritizing clarity and efficiency over elaborate or convoluted approaches.

Which is correct, "keep it simple" or "make it simpler"?

Both ""keep it simple"" and "make it simpler" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Keep it simple" is generally used as a guiding principle from the beginning, while "make it simpler" implies simplifying something that is already complex.

What are some alternative phrases for "keep it simple"?

Alternatives include "simplify it", "make it easy", or "avoid complications" depending on the context. Each of these carries a similar meaning but with subtle differences in emphasis.