simple phone call

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simple phone call" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a phone call that is straightforward or uncomplicated. Example: "All it takes to resolve the issue is a simple phone call to customer service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

That information is readily available year-round via utility Web sites or a simple phone call.

The New York Times

It was a simple phone call that Shaun Collins credits for turning his life around.

The Guardian

He and his colleagues were recruited back to Morecambe Bay by a simple phone call.

The Guardian

Many of the questions raised could be resolved with a simple phone call to Banksy's most malleable creation.

The New York Times

Many of them are happy to receive visitors without appointments; in other cases, a simple phone call will do.

The New York Times

He finally determined, with a simple phone call to the show's producers, that "Law & Order: SVU" was not on the air when B.M. claimed to have seen it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Other BBC News website readers have explained how they received compensation from banks with simple phone calls and letters.

BBC

In this study, because the two methods for providing strategies were equally effective, simple phone calls by an educator cognizant of patients' barriers may prove to be a less costly approach.

Diabetes Care

Others are simpler: phone calls we make or E-mail messages we send to clients to tell them late-breaking news before they hear it from other people or through other channels.

Forbes

Cheap, simple landline phone call recorder Original Zunes go towards the light Thanko's peeing USB wee man Traffic light alarm clock with extra-loud 40mm speaker Woot! Two-pack of giant remotes for $5.

TechCrunch

I'll host 12 people on this journey via a simple weekly phone call.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "simple phone call" to emphasize the ease and lack of complexity involved in resolving an issue or taking action. For example, "A simple phone call to your bank can often resolve the problem quickly."

Common error

Avoid using "simple phone call" as a generic filler. If the call's purpose is known (e.g., a confirmation, an inquiry), use more precise phrasing like "a confirmation call" or "an inquiry call" to provide more context and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simple phone call" functions as a noun phrase modified by the adjective "simple". It describes a phone call that is straightforward and requires little effort, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "simple phone call" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a phone call that is easy and uncomplicated. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is categorized as an adjective-noun phrase with a neutral register. It is frequently used in news articles, scientific publications, and wiki pages, highlighting its versatility across different contexts. While alternatives like "easy phone call" or "quick phone call" exist, "simple phone call" is a direct and effective way to convey the idea of an effortless communication method. It is important to use precise language for avoiding potential mistakes of overuse as described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

easy phone call

Replaces "simple" with "easy", emphasizing the lack of difficulty.

quick phone call

Focuses on the brevity of the phone call.

brief phone call

Similar to "quick phone call", but emphasizes the short duration.

straightforward phone call

Highlights the lack of complications in the phone call.

routine phone call

Suggests the phone call is a normal and expected occurrence.

ordinary phone call

Similar to "routine phone call", emphasizing the common nature of the call.

basic phone call

Indicates the phone call involves only essential information or actions.

uncomplicated phone call

Emphasizes the absence of complex issues or steps in the call.

painless phone call

Suggests the phone call is easy and without any negative experiences.

minimal phone call

Highlights that the phone call requires little effort or information.

FAQs

How can I use "simple phone call" in a sentence?

You can use "simple phone call" to describe a phone conversation that is easy to make or resolve an issue quickly. For example: "Often, a simple phone call is all it takes to clarify the situation."

What are some alternatives to "simple phone call"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "easy phone call", "quick phone call", or "brief phone call", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "simple phone call" instead of "phone call"?

"Simple phone call" is best used when you want to emphasize that the phone call is uncomplicated or requires minimal effort. If the simplicity isn't relevant, "phone call" is sufficient.

Is "simple phone call" formal or informal?

"Simple phone call" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal situations, consider alternatives like "brief communication via telephone".