simply a question of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simply a question of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is straightforward or can be reduced to a specific issue or factor. Example: "In the end, it’s simply a 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 isn't simply a question of math.

The New York Times

But since when was sports simply a question of math?

The New York Times - Sports

It was simply a question of self-respect.

The New Yorker

It is not simply a question of height.

The New York Times - Sports

It was now simply a question of seizing Malta.

The New Yorker

She believed it was simply a question of willpower.

The Guardian - Music

Perhaps it's simply a question of market demand.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Was it simply a question of tying threads together?

The Guardian

It wasn't simply a question of choosing the wrong players.

The Guardian - Sport

It was not simply a question of generosity.

The New York Times

It is simply a question of political will.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "simply a question of", ensure that the factor you are highlighting is genuinely the most significant one. Overusing this phrase can oversimplify situations and ignore other relevant aspects.

Common error

Avoid using "simply a question of" when addressing multifaceted issues with numerous contributing factors. This phrase should be reserved for scenarios where one factor demonstrably outweighs others, as using it otherwise can lead to misrepresentation and a lack of thoroughness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simply a question of" functions as a qualifier, narrowing down a situation to its core determining factor. It is often used to simplify complex scenarios, emphasizing that a particular outcome hinges on a single, key element. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "simply a question of" is a versatile and commonly used expression for emphasizing the core determinant of a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While alternatives like "merely a matter of" or "solely a matter of" can offer nuanced replacements, it's crucial to avoid oversimplification when using this phrase. The phrase functions as a qualifier, streamlining discussions by pinpointing the key issue. Remember to ensure that the identified factor is genuinely the most significant to maintain accuracy and avoid misleading interpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely a matter of

Replaces "simply a question of" to convey that something depends on one single aspect and nothing else.

purely a matter of

Similar to the original phrase but places a stronger emphasis on the single, uncomplicated nature of the determining factor.

solely a matter of

This phrase suggests that only one factor is relevant, excluding any other considerations.

entirely dependent on

Shifts the structure to focus on dependence, highlighting that the outcome is fully contingent on a specific element.

just a matter of

Uses "just" to downplay the complexity, indicating that the issue is straightforward and hinges on one point.

fundamentally about

Changes the focus to the underlying essence, suggesting that the core issue revolves around a specific aspect.

at its heart, it's about

This longer alternative emphasizes that the core or central issue is being addressed.

primarily determined by

Highlights the cause-and-effect relationship, indicating that one thing mainly dictates the outcome.

boils down to

An idiomatic expression indicating that a complex situation can be simplified to a single, crucial element.

largely hinges on

Indicates a significant dependence on a particular element, suggesting that success or failure pivots on it.

FAQs

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

You can use "simply a question of" to indicate that the outcome of something depends on a single, key factor. For example, "Success in this project is "simply a question of" proper planning."

What are some alternatives to "simply a question of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "merely a matter of", "solely a matter of", or "entirely dependent on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "simply a question of"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that a particular result or situation hinges primarily on one determining factor and that other factors are of less importance. Be careful when using it to not make the statement too simplistic.

Is "simply a question of" formal or informal?

"Simply a question of" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the context of the discussion than on the formality of the setting.