not so straightforward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not so straightforward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or concept that is more complex or difficult to understand than it initially appears. Example: "The process of applying for a visa can be not so straightforward, as there are many requirements to fulfill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not so straightforward.

The Guardian - Sport

It is not so straightforward.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not so straightforward in reality.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it's not so straightforward.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But that is not so straightforward".

The New York Times

These days, it's not so straightforward.

The Guardian

Legal ownership of the puppet, however, is not so straightforward.

The New York Times

But the battle against cancer is not so straightforward.

The New York Times

But China's relations with Myanmar are not so straightforward.

The New York Times

Behind the scenes, however, things are not so straightforward, The Financial Times writes.

The New York Times

But in Iraq, even stories of revival are not so straightforward.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not so straightforward", ensure the context clearly indicates what aspect is complex or requires deeper consideration. Provide specific details to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "not so straightforward" as a vague placeholder for complexity. Always follow it with an explanation of the specific complications or nuances involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not so straightforward" functions primarily as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or concept, indicating that it possesses a level of complexity or difficulty that is not immediately apparent. Ludwig examples showcase its use in diverse contexts, from legal ownership to scientific data interpretation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

46%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not so straightforward" is a common and versatile expression used to convey that a situation, concept, or process is more complex or nuanced than it initially appears. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in news media and scientific publications. The phrase serves to caution against oversimplification, introduce caveats, and signal the need for deeper analysis. While numerous alternatives exist, such as "not so simple" or "more complex than it seems", "not so straightforward" offers a balance of neutrality and sophistication suitable for a broad range of writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not very straightforward

Minor change in intensifier, replacing "so" with "very" for emphasis.

not so simple

Replaces "straightforward" with "simple" to convey a similar lack of ease.

not so easy

Substitutes "straightforward" with "easy" to highlight the difficulty.

more complex than it seems

Expresses the idea that initial appearances are deceiving and the situation is intricate.

not as clear-cut as it appears

Highlights that something lacks a clear and simple resolution or understanding.

not as black and white as you think

Emphasizes the existence of nuances and complexities beyond a simple binary view.

more involved than anticipated

Highlights unexpected layers of complexity in a situation.

presents unexpected challenges

Highlights unexpected difficulties.

requires a nuanced approach

Highlights something needs to be handled carefully.

not cut and dried

Conveys that a decision or situation is not straightforward or easily resolved.

FAQs

How can I use "not so straightforward" in a sentence?

You can use "not so straightforward" to describe a situation or a concept that is more complex than initially perceived. For example: "The solution to this problem is "not so straightforward", as it involves multiple variables."

What's a less formal alternative to "not so straightforward"?

For less formal situations, you might consider alternatives like "not so simple" or "more complicated than it seems".

Is it grammatically correct to say "not so straightforward"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It's a common and accepted way to express that something is more complex or nuanced than it appears.

What's the difference between "not so straightforward" and "not straightforward"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, ""not so straightforward"" often implies a degree of unexpected complexity or nuance, whereas "not straightforward" can be a more direct statement of something being complicated.