simple response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simple response" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a straightforward or uncomplicated answer to a question or situation. Example: "When asked about his plans for the weekend, he gave a simple response: 'I’ll just relax at home.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

May I suggest a simple response?

The New York Times

Mr. Corallos gave a simple response.

The New York Times

Fox News executives had a simple response: What rules?

The New York Times

There is no ready answer, no simple response.

The New York Times

The very simple response is, no it doesn't".

The Guardian

Heffernan had a simple response: she wanted the money back.

The Guardian

But there's a simple response to both points – so what?

The Guardian - Business

Demonising livestock is one such misguided simple response.

The Guardian

"Is Jeannie the long-distance client?" Bobby's simple response chastened him.

The New Yorker

Blaming immigrants for fleeing poverty and violence is a simple response to a complex problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

Complex behaviour could be explained by a series of such simple response mechanisms, according to Hull.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "simple response" when you want to convey that an answer or reaction is straightforward and requires little explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "simple response" when the situation demands a nuanced or detailed explanation. Overusing it in complex scenarios can make you sound dismissive or lacking in understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simple response" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb. It describes the nature of an answer or reaction as being straightforward and uncomplicated. According to Ludwig, the phrase is deemed correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "simple response" is a versatile term used to describe answers or reactions that are direct and uncomplicated. Ludwig confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts. While it's essential for clear communication, it's important to avoid overusing it in complex situations that demand more detailed explanations. Alternatives such as "straightforward answer" or "easy reply" can provide slight variations in meaning, depending on the context. Overall, "simple response" is a valuable phrase to have in your vocabulary, provided it's used judiciously and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

straightforward answer

Focuses on the directness and clarity of the answer.

direct response

Highlights the immediacy and lack of circumlocution in the response.

easy reply

Emphasizes the lack of difficulty in formulating the reply.

clear answer

Emphasizes the understandability and lack of ambiguity in the answer.

basic answer

Highlights the fundamental nature of the answer.

uncomplicated reply

Stresses the simplicity and lack of complexity in the reply.

plain response

Stresses the simplicity and lack of embellishment in the response.

brief answer

Focuses on the conciseness and shortness of the answer.

minimal reply

Focuses on the limited amount of information in the reply.

short response

Highlights the brevity and conciseness of the response.

FAQs

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

You can use "simple response" to describe an uncomplicated answer or reaction, such as: "When asked about his weekend plans, he gave a "simple response": 'Relaxing at home'".

What are some alternatives to "simple response"?

Alternatives include "straightforward answer", "easy reply", or "basic answer", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to give a "simple response"?

No, a "simple response" may not be appropriate when addressing complex issues requiring detailed explanations or nuanced understanding.

What's the difference between "simple response" and "detailed explanation"?

A "simple response" is brief and uncomplicated, while a "detailed explanation" provides comprehensive information and analysis.