simple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simple" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is easy to understand or not complicated. Example: "The instructions were simple, making it easy for everyone to follow along."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The reason is simple.

The New York Times

But it's not as simple as that".

The Economist

"It is very simple.

The New York Times - Books

"We lose core user after core user by not addressing simple trolling issues that they face every day".

The Guardian - Tech

It's as simple as that," Brusatte said.

The Guardian

"It was a very, very simple bowl, and the rim was thick but it twisted," he said.

The Guardian - Tech

It's simple.

The New York Times

But even that is simple compared with piecing together the accounts of the world's largest home-furnishing retailer.

The Economist

The need to introduce residence permits to restrict access to public services and welfare benefits for new migrants stems from the simple fact that despite the Home Office's £800m "e-borders" project nobody's passport is stamped with the date they entered Britain.

The Guardian

"I have also heard that others are expecting the exact opposite and are hoping that I will deliver the clear and simple message here in London that the rest of Europe is not prepared to pay almost any price to keep Britain in the EU.

The Guardian

Simple as that.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, choose "simple" to describe processes, explanations, or designs that are easy to understand or use. Simplicity is often valued for its efficiency and accessibility.

Common error

While "simple" is useful, avoid overusing it in technical writing. Instead of saying "the code is simple", specify why it's efficient, maintainable, or readable. Providing concrete reasons adds credibility and depth to your description.

Linguistic Context

The word "simple" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a lack of complexity, difficulty, or ornamentation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it adheres to standard grammatical rules and finds frequent use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "simple" is a versatile adjective widely used across various contexts, primarily to denote a lack of complexity, difficulty, or ornamentation. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and frequently encountered, particularly in News & Media. When writing, remember that while aiming for clarity is crucial, relying on "simple" too often might dilute the depth of your message, especially in technical contexts. Consider alternatives like ""straightforward"", "easy", or "uncomplicated" to add nuance. Strive for a balanced approach to achieve both comprehensibility and precision in your communication. By considering the context and purpose of your writing, you can effectively use "simple" to enhance clarity and avoid potential misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

straightforward

Emphasizes directness and lack of complication.

easy

Focuses on the lack of difficulty.

uncomplicated

Highlights the absence of complex elements.

plain

Stresses the lack of ornamentation or embellishment.

elementary

Suggests a basic or fundamental level.

basic

Refers to the essential elements or structure.

undemanding

Implies requiring little effort or skill.

modest

Conveys a sense of humility or lack of pretension.

accessible

Indicates ease of understanding or use.

clear

Focuses on the ease of perception or comprehension.

FAQs

How can I use "simple" in a sentence?

You can use "simple" to describe something easy to understand, like: "The instructions were "straightforward"" or to describe something without complexities, such as: "It was a "plain" design".

What's the difference between "simple" and "simplistic"?

"Simple" generally implies clarity and ease, whereas "simplistic" often suggests an oversimplified or inadequate approach to a complex issue.

What can I say instead of "simple"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "easy", "uncomplicated", or ""straightforward"".

Is it always better to use "simple" language?

While clarity is essential, overly "simple" language might lack nuance or detail in certain contexts. Strive for a balance between comprehensibility and accuracy.