not simply

USAGE SUMMARY

"not simply" is a perfectly correct part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it in many different contexts, to express the idea that something is more than just one thing or idea. For example, "She is not simply a teacher, but also a mentor to her students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They're not simply buying".

The New York Times - Arts

Not simply a basketball team.

The New York Times - Sports

It's not simply diversifying.

The Guardian

Not simply, no.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's not simply sweet.

The New York Times - Food

That's not simply conjecture.

The Washington Post

It's not, simply, "Hamilton" happens.

Harvard University

Not simply flat, but chilly.

The New York Times - Sports

It's not simply an unhelpful observation.

The New York Times

And America would not simply treat symptoms.

The Economist

These are not simply Western liberal ideas.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not simply" to introduce a more nuanced or complex understanding of a topic. It helps to avoid oversimplification and encourages deeper analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "not simply" in sentences where the additional complexity is minimal or nonexistent. It can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not simply" functions as an adverbial modifier, adding nuance and complexity to a statement. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It serves to negate a simplistic interpretation and pave the way for a more detailed explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "not simply" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce complexity and nuance into a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. As evidenced by examples, it is frequently found in news articles, scientific publications, and formal business documents, suggesting that it's suitable for professional or neutral contexts, and less suitable for informal communication. This phrase tells the reader to look beyond the obvious and consider the multifaceted nature of the topic. When writing, make sure that your use of the phrase adds true value to the sentence, and that the sentence is not already simple in nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not merely

Focuses on diminishing the initial assessment, emphasizing the existence of additional, more significant aspects.

more than just

Highlights that the subject exceeds a basic or limited categorization.

not only

Implies an addition to the initial factor, introducing supplementary elements or considerations.

not just

Similar to "not simply", it suggests that something cannot be defined by a single, straightforward attribute.

rather than just

Emphasizes a preference or a more accurate description over a simplistic explanation.

beyond just

Suggests an extension past a basic level or element, reaching into more complex areas.

not plainly

Indicates that the concept in question is not straightforward or easily understood.

not solely

Emphasizes that something is influenced by multiple factors, not just one.

not purely

Suggests that something is mixed with other elements and not in its unadulterated form.

not exclusively

Highlights the involvement of other entities or factors besides the one initially mentioned.

FAQs

How can I use "not simply" in a sentence?

Use "not simply" to indicate that something is more complex than it initially appears. For example, "The problem is "not simply" a matter of money, but also a question of ethics."

What can I say instead of "not simply"?

You can use alternatives like "not merely", "more than just", or "not only" depending on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "not simply"?

While grammatically correct, using "not simply" in very basic sentences can sound overly formal or even pretentious. Ensure that the additional complexity you're introducing justifies its use.

What is the difference between "not simply" and "not just"?

While similar, "not simply" often implies a greater degree of complexity or nuance than "not just". "Not simply" suggests that the issue is multifaceted, whereas "not just" may simply indicate that there is more to consider.