simpler

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "simpler" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as an adjective to describe something that is easy to understand or manage. For example, "The new software program is simpler to use than the older version."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Lifestyle

Tech

Opinion

Sports

Travel

Film

TV & Radio

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What could be simpler?

The New York Times - Sports

My take on possibly the easiest mixed drink ever invented (after the gin tonic, of course), the Spanish tinto de verano, a simpler, less alcoholic version of sangria that is easier to make, and less alcoholic, so it's perfect that's perfect for a long afternoon in the garden.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The report from Transport for the North – the new body of combined authorities – proposes cutting journey times with high-speed railways, new road connections, and Oyster-style smartcards and simpler fares throughout the region.

The Guardian

If it's a first person narrator, it's simpler, but if it's a third person narration then it can accommodate multiple points of view.

The Guardian

At the annual shareholder meeting last week, Jenkins said the bank was going to become "simpler, much more balanced, and much more focused" – words taken to mean the investment bank would be subjected to sweeping job cuts as part of next week's overhaul.

The Guardian - Business

So last year, under my predecessor, we began a wholesale review of the rules and procedures on charging visitors for NHS care, with a view to making the regime simpler, fairer and easier to implement.

The Guardian

The barriers to action, adds Cummings, include the fact that commissioners often assume it is simpler and safer to admit people to clinical settings.

The Guardian

On paper, it couldn't have been simpler – you line up a piece of leather with the sole, thread your needle and sew through pre-pressed holes – but I hadn't braced myself for how utterly laborious the job would be.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's about embracing a simpler, more authentic way of spending our leisure time - a trend that was becoming apparent even before the wheels fell off the economy.

The Guardian - Travel

So does this mean that for all her reputation as a difficult and tricky film-maker, she also has a simpler aim: to entertain?

The Guardian - Film

As Peter carries young Laust on his shoulders through the corn, they look up and see the lark again, heralding a return to the simpler values of peacetime.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "simpler", consider if a more specific adjective would improve clarity. For example, instead of "simpler interface", specify "more intuitive interface".

Common error

Avoid using "simpler" without specifying what exactly is being simplified. Instead of saying "this design is simpler", clarify: "this design has a simpler layout", to provide context.

Linguistic Context

The word "simpler" functions primarily as a comparative adjective. It modifies a noun by indicating a lower degree of complexity, difficulty, or intricacy when comparing it to something else. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples showing its use in comparative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Tech

2%

Opinion

1%

Sports

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "simpler" functions as a comparative adjective that describes something as being less complex or easier than something else. Ludwig AI examples confirm its frequent use across various contexts such as News & Media, Formal & Business, and Lifestyle, indicating its versatility and widespread acceptance. While grammatically correct and widely used, ensure that when employing "simpler", you specify what aspect is being simplified to avoid vagueness. Consider using alternatives like "less complex" or "more straightforward" to add precision to your writing. With a high expert rating and a substantial presence in authoritative sources, "simpler" is a reliable choice for expressing reduced complexity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less complex

Focuses on the reduction of complexity, maintaining a direct comparison.

more straightforward

Emphasizes the directness and lack of complications.

more basic

Highlights the fundamental or elementary nature.

less intricate

Stresses the absence of complicated details.

more user-friendly

Implies ease of use and accessibility for the user.

more manageable

Highlights the ease of handling or controlling something.

less challenging

Focuses on the reduced difficulty level.

more accessible

Emphasizes the ease of reaching or understanding.

more intuitive

Highlights the ease of understanding through inherent qualities.

streamlined

Implies efficiency and simplicity through optimized processes.

FAQs

How can I use "simpler" in a sentence?

You can use "simpler" to describe something that is less complex or easier to understand, such as "This method is "simpler than that one"" or "We need a "simpler solution"".

What's the difference between "simpler" and "easier"?

"Simpler" refers to having fewer parts or steps, making something less complex. "Easier" refers to requiring less effort or skill. A task can be "simpler but not easier", or vice versa.

What can I say instead of "simpler"?

Alternatives include "less complex", "more straightforward", or "more basic" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always better to make things "simpler"?

Not necessarily. While simplicity often improves clarity and efficiency, sometimes complexity is necessary to accurately represent a situation or address a problem. The goal is appropriate simplicity, not "simpler at the expense of" accuracy or functionality.