on the simple side

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the simple side" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is straightforward or uncomplicated, often in comparison to something more complex. Example: "The recipe is on the simple side, making it perfect for beginners who want to try cooking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Lodgings in Switzerland are four-star except for a single night in a hut, and in Italy they are three- and four-star inns that tend to be on the simple side.

The New York Times - Travel

This initial attempt is more on the simple side, and over time, Peel will probably add more features.

TechCrunch

Again, it's on the simple side, so people who want to "set it and forget it" will be right at home.

TechCrunch

The S20′s controls include such options as the ability to crop a photo, but for actual picture-taking they stay on the simple side — maybe too simple for ambitious amateurs.

Forbes

Throughout the course of these grants, recipients develop thousands of materials: on the complex side, teaching guides and briefing memos, learning assessments -- and on the simple side, basic charts and graphics.

Huffington Post

The album well received, with reviewers finding the album "enjoyable" and "a pleasant surprise", although they did find some of the arrangements to be "a bit on the simple side".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

While the duotone graphics and "one button interface" err on the simpler side of things (even for a Flash game), it's the smoothness, pacing, and immersive nature of full-screened first person that makes Fotonica a veritable black hole to lose yourself in.

Vice

My sandwich preferences are usually on the simpler side.

The New York Times - Food

The chef's special rolls are uncommonly successful; on the simpler side, the spicy salmon roll was fresh and uncomplicated, as was the shrimp tempura roll and the center roll, a crunchy affair with spicy tuna and avocado, rolled in tobiko.

The New York Times

The menu includes a selection of entrees under the heading "On the Simpler Side," and I suspect many diners rush to it, fearing dishes like pan-seared pheasant breast over a fennel and walnut ragout, served with foie gras and bacon ravioli.

The New York Times - Food

On the simpler side were Anne Hathaway in a light pink satin column dress from Prada (with Tiffany & Co. jewelry) and Octavia Spencer in a blush, off the shoulder dress by Tadashi Shoji (with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry)  proving that restraint can be the most winning look.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing design choices or features, using "on the simple side" can subtly imply a focus on usability and accessibility, suggesting the design prioritizes clarity over complexity.

Common error

While acceptable, overuse of the phrase "on the simple side" can sound informal in professional writing. Opt for more precise language like "straightforward" or "uncomplicated" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the simple side" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its characteristic of being straightforward or uncomplicated. As Ludwig AI notes, it's usable in written English. Examples in Ludwig show it describing lodgings, attempts, controls, and materials.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the simple side" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that indicates something is relatively straightforward or uncomplicated. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It's categorized as a prepositional phrase with a neutral register, commonly found in News & Media and Wiki sources. While acceptable across various contexts, it's best to reserve this expression for informal or general writing and replace it with a more precise alternative in professional settings. Ludwig examples highlight its use in describing different attributes, from the simplicity of lodgings to the ease of use of camera controls. Semantically related phrases include "relatively straightforward" and "somewhat uncomplicated", which provide alternative ways to express the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the easy side

This alternative is very similar, however it shifts the emphasis to ease rather than simplicity.

relatively straightforward

Replaces the idiomatic "on the simple side" with a more direct adjective, emphasizing ease of understanding or execution.

slightly less complex

This alternative focuses on the reduced level of complexity compared to something else.

somewhat uncomplicated

Emphasizes the lack of complexity, softening it with "somewhat" for a less absolute statement.

rather elementary

Suggests a basic or fundamental level of simplicity, possibly implying a lack of sophistication.

fairly basic

Highlights the fundamental nature of something, indicating it has essential components without added features.

more minimalist

Focuses on reducing something to its necessary elements, aligning with a design or philosophical approach.

leaning towards simplicity

Suggests a deliberate choice or tendency to favor simple designs or approaches.

tending to be unelaborate

Emphasizes the lack of ornamentation or embellishment.

of a more spartan nature

Implies a stark simplicity, potentially suggesting a lack of comfort or luxury.

FAQs

How can I use "on the simple side" in a sentence?

You can use "on the simple side" to describe something that is straightforward or uncomplicated, such as "The recipe is "on the simple side", making it perfect for beginners."

What's a more formal alternative to "on the simple side"?

In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "straightforward", "uncomplicated", or "basic" instead of "on the simple side".

Is it correct to say "on the simpler side" instead of "on the simple side"?

Yes, "on the simpler side" is a grammatically correct alternative that also conveys the meaning of something being relatively uncomplicated or less complex. Both are acceptable, but "on the simpler side" might imply a comparison with something more complex.

What does "on the simple side" imply about the subject being described?

"On the simple side" implies that the subject lacks complexity, potentially suggesting that it is easy to understand, use, or execute. It can also suggest a preference for minimalism or a focus on essential elements.