simple question of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simple question of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a straightforward issue or inquiry that requires a clear answer or explanation. Example: "It's just a simple question of whether we have enough resources to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"This is a simple question of fairness".

The New York Times

It's a simple question of reality.

The New Yorker

She goes beyond the simple question of belief.

The Guardian - Arts

For some it is a simple question of income.

The Guardian - Opinion

In part, it's a simple question of skills.

The Guardian

First it's a simple question of supply and demand.

Independent

"It's like any market," she says, "it's a simple question of supply and demand".

The Guardian - Money

For a taxidermist, the trophy is a simple question of aesthetics.

The Guardian

The simple question of when to draw trumps is a conundrum.

The New York Times

It is a simple question of love, and there is no time to wait.

The New York Times

"Nowhere did he try and reduce this to a simple question of 'lifestyle choice'.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase "simple question of," ensure the context genuinely supports this simplification to avoid misleading your audience. Complex situations, although presented as such, may require nuanced analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "simple question of" when the issue is multifaceted and requires detailed analysis. Oversimplification can lead to inaccurate conclusions and misrepresentation of the complexities involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simple question of" functions as an introductory phrase that presents a topic or issue as being fundamentally straightforward. It is often used to emphasize a core decision or to simplify a complex problem. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "simple question of" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce a topic or issue as being fundamentally straightforward. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's utilized to emphasize a core decision or to simplify complex problems, making it useful in news, media, science, and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "basic matter of" and "straightforward issue of" exist, be cautious about oversimplifying complex issues. Using this phrase helps clarify discussions but ensure it aligns with the actual complexity of the situation. By avoiding oversimplification and misrepresentation, you can effectively use "simple question of" to focus attention on the core aspects of a topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic matter of

Focuses on the fundamental nature of the issue.

straightforward issue of

Emphasizes the lack of complexity in the problem.

mere matter of

Suggests that the issue is insignificant or easily resolved.

plain question of

Highlights the clarity and lack of ambiguity of the question.

fundamental aspect of

Focuses on the core element of a more complex topic.

core issue of

Identifies the central problem to be addressed.

essential point of

Highlights what is most important or indispensable.

key element of

Indicates that the question is an important part of a bigger picture.

primary concern of

Focuses on the main source of worry or attention.

underlying problem of

Points to the root cause or fundamental issue.

FAQs

How can I use "simple question of" in a sentence?

You can use "simple question of" to introduce a core issue or decision. For example, "It's a "simple question of" whether we have enough resources to complete the project."

What are some alternatives to "simple question of"?

Alternatives include "basic matter of", "straightforward issue of", or "core issue of", depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "simple question of"?

No, it's not always appropriate. Use it when you genuinely want to highlight a core aspect or decision. Avoid it when the issue is complex and simplification could mislead.

What's the difference between "simple question of" and "complex question of"?

"Simple question of" is used to present an issue as straightforward, while "complex question of" indicates that the issue involves multiple factors and is not easily resolved. They are used to frame the level of difficulty in understanding or resolving an issue.