simple as

USAGE SUMMARY

"simple as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to compare two things and is often followed by a simile such as "simple as pie". For example, "Creating a web page is as simple as pie."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Simple as that.

The New York Times - Sports

As simple as that.

The New York Times - Arts

It's sexism, simple as that.

Independent

Israel's keen, simple as that.

Independent

"It's as simple as pie.

The New York Times

Were it as simple as that.

The New York Times - Arts

It's almost as simple as that.

The New York Times

Was it all as simple as that?

The New Yorker

Simple, as Horowitz said, but purposely so.

The New Yorker

So it's as simple as that".

The New York Times

Is it really as simple as that?

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "simple as" to emphasize the uncomplicated nature of a situation or explanation. It's effective for making points clear and concise.

Common error

Avoid using "simple as" when addressing highly complex or nuanced topics. Overusing it in such contexts can make your explanation seem dismissive or oversimplified.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simple as" functions as an adverbial phrase, typically used to modify a statement and emphasize its uncomplicated nature. It often introduces a comparison or a straightforward conclusion. Ludwig examples show it is frequently used to highlight ease or obviousness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "simple as" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the uncomplicated nature of a statement or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as an adverbial phrase, primarily aiming to simplify explanations and convey clarity. While most frequently found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral to informal register. Use it to make your points clear and direct, but avoid overuse in overly complex discussions. Alternatives like "as straightforward as that" or "as easy as pie" can add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as straightforward as that

Emphasizes the directness and clarity of a situation or instruction.

as easy as pie

Uses a common idiom to highlight the simplicity of a task or concept.

just like that

Implies an action or event happened quickly and without difficulty.

plain and simple

Highlights the lack of complexity or embellishment in a statement or situation.

no more to it

Indicates that there are no hidden factors or complications involved.

as clear as day

Emphasizes the obviousness and lack of ambiguity of something.

as uncomplicated as possible

Suggests an effort to minimize complexity and maintain simplicity.

cut and dried

Describes a matter that is settled and requires no further discussion.

in a nutshell

Condenses a complex idea into its most basic elements.

the long and short of it

Provides a concise summary, omitting unnecessary details.

FAQs

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

You can use "simple as" to emphasize the lack of complexity in a situation. For example, "The solution is straightforward, "simple as" that".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "simple as"?

Alternatives include "as easy as pie", "straightforward", or "just like that", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "simple as" in writing?

"Simple as" is appropriate when you want to convey that something is uncomplicated and easily understood. It is often used to provide a concise explanation or to emphasize a straightforward solution.

Is "simple as" considered informal language?

While "simple as" is generally acceptable in most contexts, it leans towards informal language. In highly formal or academic writing, more precise and elaborate phrasing might be preferred.