not as simple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not as simple" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is more complex or challenging than it may initially appear. Example: "The solution to the problem is not as simple as it seems at first glance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Manufacturing was not as simple.

The New Yorker

Things are not as simple as that.

The Economist

Replacing Jenkins is not as simple.

The New York Times - Sports

It's surely not as simple as that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's not as simple as you think.

The Guardian

Unfortunately, it's not as simple as that.

The New Yorker

"It's not as simple as it looks.

The Guardian - Sport

It was not as simple as that.

The Guardian

"It's not as simple as that.

The Guardian

That's not as simple as it sounds.

The Washington Post

The answer's not as simple as you might think.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not as simple" to introduce a more nuanced explanation after an oversimplified statement. This helps manage expectations and encourages deeper understanding.

Common error

Avoid immediately following the phrase "not as simple" with a simplistic alternative explanation. Instead, delve into the actual complexities to justify the statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not as simple" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a situation, task, or concept is more intricate than it initially seems. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use, particularly to correct oversimplifications or introduce nuances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

9%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not as simple" is a common qualifier used to indicate that something is more complex than it initially appears. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. Related phrases include "more complex than it seems" and "not as straightforward as one might think". When using this phrase, it's important to provide a more nuanced explanation to justify the statement and avoid oversimplifying the issue. The frequency and widespread use across authoritative sources indicate its reliability and validity in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more complex than it seems

Highlights the underlying complexity often overlooked initially.

more complicated than it appears

Emphasizes the intricate nature that is not immediately obvious.

not as straightforward as one might think

Directly counters the assumption of simplicity, pointing to potential complications.

deeper than it looks

Suggests the presence of hidden layers or underlying issues.

more involved than anticipated

Focuses on the higher level of engagement and effort required.

not the walk in the park it seems

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey unexpected difficulty.

more challenging than expected

Highlights the difficulties and obstacles that arise.

presents unforeseen difficulties

Focuses on the unexpected problems that emerge.

entails a degree of complexity

Formally indicates the presence of intricate elements.

has hidden intricacies

Emphasizes the subtle and often overlooked details.

FAQs

How can I use "not as simple" in a sentence?

You can use "not as simple" to introduce a statement that something is more complex than it initially appears. For example, "Solving this problem is "not as simple" as changing a setting".

What are some alternatives to saying "not as simple"?

Alternatives include "more complex than it seems", "more complicated than it appears", or "not as straightforward as one might think". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "not simple" or "not as simple"?

"Not simple" is a direct negation, while "not as simple" implies a comparison to an expected level of simplicity. "Not as simple" is often used for understatement or to suggest complexity.

What is the difference between "not as simple" and "complex"?

"Complex" directly states that something has many interconnected parts and is difficult to understand. "Not as simple" suggests that something initially appears straightforward but actually involves hidden difficulties.