not entirely simple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not entirely simple" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, task, or concept that has some complexity or difficulty, but is not overwhelmingly so. Example: "The process of applying for a visa is not entirely simple, as it requires careful attention to detail and various documents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The position of Pakistan's armed forces on drone strikes is not entirely simple.

Independent

In part, without doubt, it has something to do with the victims, but that's not entirely simple, either.

The New York Times

The England captain now goes into Friday's second Test at Old Trafford with one clear, if not entirely simple, decision to make.

The Guardian - Sport

I don't see why the reviewers objected to that data, except that it burdens the reader with the truth about a biological system that is not entirely simple.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But the picture isn't entirely simple.

The New York Times - Arts

The exclusion of women is not entirely a "simple function of overt discrimination.

Science Magazine

Although FGF-23 may have the potential to provide a better understanding of long-term phosphate status compared with the assessment of serum phosphate alone, the solution may not be entirely simple.

CKJ: Clinical Kidney Journal

Even simple fruit and veg aren't entirely unproblematic for the conscientious cook.

The Guardian - Opinion

So it is not entirely a simpler, more innocent world that is swept away by the war but rather a way of life whose contradictions are as emphatically presented as its charms.

The New York Times

Mr. Lagerfeld's motives, if not entirely innocent, were simple.

The New York Times

Predicting which combinations will show this effect, and the doses of such combinations, is not entirely intuitive or simple.

Genome Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not entirely simple" to introduce a topic that appears straightforward but requires deeper consideration. For instance, "The solution seems obvious, but the implementation is "not entirely simple".

Common error

Avoid using "not entirely simple" when a situation is genuinely complex. Reserve it for instances with underlying nuances that are not immediately obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not entirely simple" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or concept. It serves to qualify the simplicity of something, indicating that while it may appear straightforward, there are underlying complexities. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not entirely simple" serves as a qualifier, indicating that while something may appear straightforward, it possesses underlying complexities. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable. It is most commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, aim to introduce topics that seem simple on the surface but demand deeper consideration. Its related phrases includes "somewhat complex" and "slightly complicated". It is crucial to avoid using it when describing genuinely complex situations, as this can diminish the phrase's intended impact. As Ludwig examples show, "not entirely simple" offers a nuanced way to express understanding and acknowledge hidden complications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat complex

Replaces "entirely simple" with "complex", suggesting a degree of intricacy.

slightly complicated

Substitutes "simple" with "complicated", indicating a bit of difficulty.

not altogether straightforward

Emphasizes the lack of directness or ease.

a bit intricate

Highlights the detailed and complex nature of something.

more involved than it seems

Suggests that something is more complex upon closer inspection.

not as easy as it looks

Focuses on the deceptive simplicity of something.

not quite elementary

Indicates that something is beyond the basic level.

relatively challenging

Highlights the difficulty or demanding nature of something.

moderately difficult

Indicates a medium level of difficulty.

somewhat problematic

Indicates the presence of certain difficulties or issues.

FAQs

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

You can use "not entirely simple" to describe a situation or problem that is somewhat complex but not overwhelmingly so. For example, "The instructions seem clear, but the process is "not entirely simple"".

What are some alternatives to "not entirely simple"?

Alternatives include "somewhat complex", "slightly complicated", or "not altogether straightforward". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

"Not simple" implies a lack of simplicity, while "not entirely simple" suggests that there are simple aspects but also complexities. The latter is more nuanced and often more accurate.

What's the difference between "not entirely simple" and "complex"?

"Complex" indicates a high degree of intricacy, while "not entirely simple" suggests something has elements of simplicity mixed with underlying complexities. "Not entirely simple" implies a lesser degree of complexity than simply "complex".