not straightforward

USAGE SUMMARY

"not straightforward" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a task or problem that is not easy to solve or complete. For example, "Figuring out the budget for this project was not straightforward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was not straightforward.

Independent

It is not straightforward".

Independent

"It's not straightforward stuff.

The New York Times - Sports

Not straightforward malfeasance.

The Guardian

That's not straightforward.

The Guardian

But that is not straightforward.

The Economist

But it was not straightforward.

The New Yorker

Fellaini's situation is not straightforward.

Independent

Such prosecutions are not straightforward.

The Economist

Such collaboration is not straightforward.

The Guardian

But it is not straightforward.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not straightforward" when you want to convey that a process, situation, or explanation requires careful thought and is not immediately obvious. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "not straightforward" when a simpler term like "difficult" or "complex" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not straightforward" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its quality. As Ludwig AI shows, it commonly qualifies situations, processes, or explanations that lack simplicity or directness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not straightforward" is a versatile phrase used to describe situations, processes, or explanations that require careful consideration due to their complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. While it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal settings, it's essential to avoid overuse and opt for simpler terms when appropriate. Alternatives such as "not simple", "complicated", or "complex" can provide similar meaning with subtle variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not simple

This alternative focuses on the lack of simplicity, highlighting the complexity of the situation.

not easy

This alternative emphasizes the difficulty involved, suggesting that the task requires effort and skill.

complicated

This term directly states that the matter involves multiple interconnected parts, making it intricate.

complex

Similar to "complicated", this word implies a high degree of intricacy and difficulty in understanding.

involved

This alternative suggests that the situation requires careful consideration and attention to detail.

intricate

This implies that something has many details and small parts that make it difficult to understand.

challenging

This alternative highlights the difficulty as a test of one's abilities or resources.

laborious

This focuses on the amount of effort required, suggesting it is time-consuming and potentially exhausting.

arduous

This term indicates that the process is steep, difficult, and requires sustained effort.

tortuous

This alternative suggests a winding, complicated path, implying a lack of directness and potential for confusion.

FAQs

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

You can use "not straightforward" to describe something that is complex or difficult to understand. For example, "The solution to this problem is "not straightforward"."

What are some alternatives to "not straightforward"?

Some alternatives to "not straightforward" include "not simple", "complicated", or "complex". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "not straightforward" formal or informal?

"Not straightforward" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and the specific situation to ensure it's the most effective choice.

What does "not straightforward" mean?

"Not straightforward" means that something is not simple, easy, or direct. It implies that careful consideration is needed to understand or deal with it.