simple as that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simple as that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to emphasize that something is straightforward or easy to understand. For example, "Just follow the instructions, simple as that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

As simple as that.

The New York Times - Arts

Was it all as simple as that?

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

It's as simple as that, really".

The New York Times - Sports

Is it as simple as that?

The New Yorker

Sometimes it's as simple as that".

The New York Times

As simple as that, basically.

The Guardian - Sport

Just as simple as that".

The New York Times

It will be as simple as that".

BBC

It was as simple as that, really".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "simple as that" to conclude an explanation, reinforcing the idea that the concept or process is not complex. This can add a sense of finality and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "simple as that" in highly formal or academic writing. While it's acceptable in many situations, it can sound too informal or dismissive in professional reports or scholarly articles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simple as that" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a preceding statement to emphasize its straightforward nature. Ludwig examples illustrate this usage effectively, showing how it concludes explanations to highlight their lack of complexity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "simple as that" is a common and grammatically correct way to emphasize the straightforward nature of a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts. While primarily informal, as indicated by the source analysis, it is widely used in News & Media. When writing, use this phrase to emphasize ease of understanding, but be mindful of the tone and avoid it in highly formal settings. Alternative phrases like "just like that" or "as easy as that" can offer similar emphasis with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just like that

Emphasizes the suddenness or ease with which something happens.

as easy as that

Highlights the lack of difficulty involved.

it's that straightforward

Focuses on the clarity and lack of complication.

that's all there is to it

Indicates a complete explanation with no hidden details.

no more than that

Stresses the limited scope or extent of something.

it's as plain as day

Implies something is obvious and easily understood.

that's the long and short of it

Summarizes a situation concisely.

in a nutshell

Condenses a complex idea into a brief statement.

to put it simply

Introduces a simplified explanation.

boiled down to its essence

Refers to something in its most basic form.

FAQs

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

You can use "simple as that" to emphasize that something is straightforward or easy to understand. For example, "Just follow the instructions, "simple as that"."

What does "simple as that" mean?

"Simple as that" means something is easy to understand or do. It emphasizes the lack of complexity or difficulty.

Is "simple as that" formal or informal?

"Simple as that" is generally considered informal and is best used in casual conversations or less formal writing. More formal alternatives might include "it is that straightforward" or "in essence".

What's a more formal way to say "simple as that"?

More formal alternatives to "simple as that" include phrases like "it is that straightforward", "in essence", or "the matter is quite clear".