ostensibly simple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ostensibly simple" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that appears to be simple at first glance but may have underlying complexities. Example: "The instructions seemed ostensibly simple, but many users found them confusing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

The rules are ostensibly simple: put an elastic band on one wrist.

The Guardian - Opinion

But for an ostensibly simple plastic packet, it proved devilishly difficult to redesign.

The New York Times

Even something as ostensibly simple as the serial comma can arouse strong feelings.

The New Yorker

As he demonstrated with his laptop before a recent performance, Mr. Malloy constructed "Natasha" by ostensibly simple means.

The New York Times

"Brunhilde" (1998-2000), eight feet high, is a vaguely helmet-shaped, upside-down basket of ostensibly simple weave.

The New Yorker

Or did even the ostensibly simple Arts and Crafts rush-seated ebonised oak chair have its own design agenda?

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

"I, Claudius" also brought to widespread attention several of its stars, notably Derek Jacobi as the stammering, twitching, limping, ostensibly simple-minded title character, who survived decades of murder and intrigue to become the fourth emperor of Rome.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. McQuarrie, on his second outing as a director (his screenplays include "The Usual Suspects" and "Valkyrie"), seems more suited to action scenes than to the ostensibly simpler task of filming people talking.

The New York Times

Then, as now, Jolie caused a huge stir in what was ostensibly a simple "who me?" frock, by applying just a touch of magic.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Longform podcast is ostensibly a simple conversation between hosts Aaron Lammer, Max Linsky and Evan Ratliff (CEO of media software company Atavist) and the author or editor of a news story.

The Guardian

Thankfully they did, although the gorgeous, epic B-side "Don't You Want to Share the Guilt" was more affecting for its backing than its hard-to-discern lyrics, while a new track entitled "Seagulls" worked because it's ostensibly a simple list of Nash's loves and hates.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ostensibly simple" to introduce a concept or situation that seems straightforward but may contain hidden complexities or nuances. This helps to set up a deeper analysis or reveal unexpected challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "ostensibly simple" when the subject truly lacks any underlying complexity. Using it inappropriately can make your writing sound pretentious or create a false sense of intrigue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ostensibly simple" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a noun (often implied) as appearing simple. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It suggests a surface-level simplicity that might not reflect the true complexity of the subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ostensibly simple" is a useful tool for introducing concepts or situations that appear straightforward but possess hidden complexities. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Its adjectival function allows it to modify nouns, suggesting a surface-level simplicity that belies deeper intricacies. While common in News & Media and Science, it maintains a relatively neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject truly warrants the implication of hidden complexity to avoid sounding pretentious. Remember, as the examples provided by Ludwig show, that what appears "ostensibly simple" often requires closer examination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the surface, simple

Directly indicates that the simplicity is only apparent from a quick assessment.

seemingly basic

Employs 'seemingly' and 'basic' to convey a sense of initial simplicity.

apparently straightforward

Replaces 'simple' with 'straightforward', emphasizing the apparent ease or directness.

superficially uncomplicated

Substitutes 'ostensibly' with 'superficially' and 'simple' with 'uncomplicated' to highlight the lack of complexity on the surface.

supposedly uncomplicated

Uses 'supposedly' to denote a claim of being uncomplicated that may not be entirely true.

outwardly elementary

Uses 'outwardly' instead of 'ostensibly' and 'elementary' for 'simple', focusing on the external appearance of being basic.

ostensibly rudimentary

Replaces 'simple' with 'rudimentary', suggesting a basic or underdeveloped quality.

apparently effortless

Implies the task or concept looks easy or requires little exertion.

facially simplistic

Emphasizes a surface-level simplicity that may hide underlying complexity.

ostensibly undemanding

Suggests that something appears to not require much effort or skill.

FAQs

How can I use "ostensibly simple" in a sentence?

Use "ostensibly simple" to describe something that appears uncomplicated but might have underlying complexities. For example: "The instructions were "ostensibly simple", but the actual process proved quite challenging."

What are some alternatives to "ostensibly simple"?

You can use alternatives like "seemingly basic", "apparently straightforward", or "superficially uncomplicated" depending on the context.

What does "ostensibly" mean in the context of "ostensibly simple"?

In this context, "ostensibly" means "apparently" or "seemingly". It indicates that something appears simple, but this appearance might be deceptive or incomplete.

Is it always appropriate to use "ostensibly simple"?

No, it is best used when you want to suggest that something's apparent simplicity belies an underlying complexity or hidden difficulty. If something is truly simple, a more direct descriptor might be more appropriate.