simpler than what

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simpler than what" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when making a comparison to indicate that something is easier or less complex than another thing, which is implied but not specified. Example: "This solution is simpler than what we discussed last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

But the single most important variable may be far simpler than what many new parents think.

The New York Times

"The dynamic that generates the burst is much simpler than what all of the individual actors are doing".

The New York Times - Science

Retrospect also helped make the experience look simpler than it may really have been and certainly simpler than what confronts the world now.

The New York Times

Think of that feeling you have when you're on a truly great vacation: your stress levels drop, trivial concerns reveal themselves to be just that, and you feel — you know — that life's purpose is deeper and simpler than what you'd believed before.

The New Yorker

The distancing of the sixties version shows the gangsters in an already legendary period, and part of what makes a legend for Americans is viewing anything that happened in the past as much simpler than what we are involved in now.

The New Yorker

By Sally Law November 14, 2010 Think of that feeling you have when you're on a truly great vacation: your stress levels drop, trivial concerns reveal themselves to be just that, and you feel — you know — that life's purpose is deeper and simpler than what you'd believed before.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It could as easily serve as an explanation for Charlie Wilson's twenty-five-minute transsphenoidal resection: What Gretzky perceives on a hockey rink is, in a curious way, more simple than what a less accomplished player perceives.

The New Yorker

It could as easily serve as an explanation for Charlie Wilson's twenty-five-minute transsphenoidal resection: **{:.break one} ** What Gretzky perceives on a hockey rink is, in a curious way, more simple than what a less accomplished player perceives.

The New Yorker

The measurement approaches touted by many of those pushing for reform are imported from business models that involve far simpler systems than what occurs in medicine.

The New York Times

"The potential threat of weapons of mass destruction, likely in a simpler form than what people might imagine but still a form that would have a significant psychological impact, from Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula in Yemen, is very, very real," Michael E. Leiter, who retired recently as director of the National Counterterrorism Center, said at a security conference last month.

The New York Times

For some context, this new look is a far simpler lineup than what is being replaced.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "simpler than what", ensure the 'what' refers to a clearly understood or previously mentioned concept to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying 'The instructions are simpler than what', specify 'The instructions are simpler than what the manual suggests'.

Common error

Avoid using "simpler than what" when the basis of comparison is unclear. This can lead to confusion and weaken the impact of your statement. Instead, specify what you are comparing the subject to, such as 'This model is simpler than the previous version'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simpler than what" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to indicate that something possesses a lesser degree of complexity relative to a standard or expectation, often implied rather than explicitly stated. Ludwig confirms the correct usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "simpler than what" is a grammatically sound and versatile comparative construction used to express reduced complexity relative to an implied or previously mentioned standard. Ludwig confirms its proper usage. While generally neutral in register, it appears across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. Related phrases include "easier than what" and "less complex than what". When using this phrase, ensure the basis of comparison is clear to avoid vagueness. Overall, "simpler than what" serves as a concise way to highlight a reduction in complexity or an increase in ease across a variety of communication settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less complicated than what

Replaces "simpler" with "less complicated", emphasizing a reduction in complexity.

easier than what

Substitutes "simpler" with "easier", focusing on reduced difficulty.

less complex than what

Uses "less complex" instead of "simpler", highlighting a reduction in intricate details.

more straightforward than what

Replaces "simpler" with "more straightforward", suggesting a clearer and more direct approach.

less elaborate than what

Uses "less elaborate" to convey a reduction in ornamentation or detail, instead of "simpler".

more basic than what

Emphasizes a return to fundamental elements, instead of describing something as "simpler".

less sophisticated than what

Indicates a reduction in refinement or advanced features, instead of using "simpler".

more rudimentary than what

Suggests a basic or undeveloped state, replacing the idea of something being "simpler".

less intricate than what

Highlights a reduction in detailed complexity, instead of "simpler".

more plain than what

Implies a lack of adornment or complexity, instead of being "simpler".

FAQs

How can I use "simpler than what" in a sentence?

Use "simpler than what" to compare the complexity of one thing to another, where the 'what' implies a previously mentioned or understood standard. For example, 'The new design is "simpler than what" we used before'.

What phrases can I use instead of "simpler than what"?

You can use alternatives such as "easier than what", "less complex than what", or "more straightforward than what" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state what you are comparing to when using "simpler than what"?

While not always grammatically required, explicitly stating the basis of comparison improves clarity. Saying ""simpler than what"" is less effective than saying "simpler than what was previously proposed".

What's the difference between "simpler than what" and "simpler than expected"?

"Simpler than what" compares to a specific, often implied, standard. "Simpler than expected" compares to a general anticipation. For example, 'The solution was "simpler than what" the manual described' versus 'The solution was simpler than expected'.