simple but significant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simple but significant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is easy to understand or do, yet has an important impact or meaning. Example: "The design of the logo is simple but significant, capturing the essence of the brand in just a few lines."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The deciding factor will be simple, but significant: if Nickeas can prove himself to be a competent hitter, the job will be his.

The New York Times - Sports

In the less-than-glamorous setting of a sweltering airport tarmac in Vienna, the 14 agents switched planes in a simple but significant hour-long manoeuvre intended to ensure that US-Russian relations were not derailed by the exposure of Russia's deep-cover agents in suburban America.

The Guardian

Such a simple but significant conversion might guide a new craze to turn waste into wealth environmentally and efficiently.

Nanoscale Research Letters

If such a simple, but significant change can be made in some parts of China then there is little to suggest it cannot be achieved elsewhere.

Forbes

The second part is devoted to give a concrete realization of this formula by deriving an index theorem on the simple, but significant example of Heisenberg elliptic operators on a trivial foliation, which are in general not elliptic but hypoelliptic.

Journal of Functional Analysis

The proposed model is simple, but significant as it links the average oxygen reduction to catalyst layer structures, and its two parameters can be directly calculated rather than by calibration.

Electrochimica Acta

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

These are simple movements but significant ones that could change a person's quality of life.

BBC

This idea is quite simple but yields a significant efficiency along with a high flexibility.

Journal of Manufacturing Systems

The equation does not consider effect of pore, grain morphology which makes it simple, but results in significant uncertainties.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Registration between SPECT/CT and MRI is not a simple step, due to small, but significant changes in animal position, even though the animal was kept in the same position for the different modalities using the same holder.

EJNMMI Research

The proposed method is simple but efficient and also potentially significant for the applications of neural circuits.

Neural Networks

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "simple but significant" to highlight actions or changes that don't require much effort but lead to meaningful results. This can be especially useful in contexts where you want to emphasize efficiency and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "simple but significant" when the 'simple' aspect is debatable. Ensure that the simplicity is genuinely apparent and doesn't require extensive explanation, or it will undermine the phrase's credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simple but significant" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, emphasizing two seemingly contrasting qualities. It indicates that something is both easy to understand or execute and has a notable impact or importance, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "simple but significant" is grammatically sound and usable in various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms this. It effectively conveys that something is both uncomplicated and impactful, although frequency is relatively uncommon. It appears often in science, news and media and formal business publications. Ludwig suggests using this phrase to highlight efficiency or the surprising effect of basic actions. When using this phrase, ensure the simplicity is genuine to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncomplicated yet important

Emphasizes the lack of complexity and the presence of importance.

straightforward but meaningful

Highlights directness and the presence of deeper meaning.

basic but consequential

Focuses on the fundamental nature and the resulting consequences.

elementary yet substantial

Stresses the rudimentary aspect and the considerable impact.

modest but influential

Highlights the unassuming nature and the capacity to affect change.

small but powerful

Emphasizes the reduced size and the capacity to exert force or influence.

easy but critical

Focuses on the lack of difficulty and the state of being essential.

painless yet vital

Highlights the lack of suffering and the necessity.

rudimentary but momentous

Stresses the fundamental aspect and the great importance.

insignificant but effective

Highlights the apparent unimportance and the actual capacity to produce a result.

FAQs

How can I use "simple but significant" in a sentence?

You can use "simple but significant" to describe something that is easy to understand or do, yet has an important impact or meaning. For example: "The design of the logo is "simple but significant", capturing the essence of the brand in just a few lines."

What phrases are similar to "simple but significant"?

Similar phrases include "uncomplicated yet important", "straightforward but meaningful", or "basic but consequential". These alternatives maintain the sense of ease and importance.

Is it redundant to say something is "simple but significant"?

While "simple" and "significant" might seem contradictory, the phrase is used to emphasize that something doesn't need to be complex to have a large impact. It's not inherently redundant if used thoughtfully.

Can "simple but significant" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "simple but significant" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when highlighting the efficiency or unexpected impact of a straightforward solution or concept. Consider the audience and context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.