simply about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simply about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is straightforward or uncomplicated in nature. Example: "This project is simply about improving communication within the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's simply about consideration".

The Guardian - Film

It's simply about methamphetamine.

The New Yorker

Alcohol, moreover, is not simply about heat.

The New York Times - Food

It's simply about having historical depth.

The New Yorker

Eating isn't simply about taste.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They are simply about talent.

The New York Times - Sports

Is it simply about technology?

The Guardian - Tech

It was not simply about politics".

The New York Times

Is it all simply about filling beds?

The Guardian - Opinion

It was simply about sending a signal.

The Guardian

It's simply about finding the right ecosystem".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "simply about" to emphasize that a topic is straightforward and without unnecessary complexity. It helps to clarify the core issue.

Common error

Avoid using "simply about" when the context requires a more nuanced or complex explanation. Overusing it can make your writing seem dismissive or lacking depth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simply about" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause, indicating that the subject is straightforward or uncomplicated. Ludwig's analysis and the examples confirm its use to emphasize the basic nature of a topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "simply about" is a grammatically correct and very common way to indicate that a topic is straightforward and uncomplicated. According to Ludwig, it's frequently used in news and media contexts. When writing, use it to clarify the essence of a subject, but avoid overusing it in situations that require more nuanced explanations. Alternatives such as "merely concerning" or "just regarding" can offer subtle variations. The analysis of Ludwig confirms the phrase's appropriateness and widespread usage in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely concerning

Replaces "simply" with "merely" and "about" with "concerning", maintaining the uncomplicated aspect of the original phrase.

just regarding

Substitutes "simply" with "just" and "about" with "regarding", emphasizing the straightforward nature.

purely relating to

Replaces "simply" with "purely" and uses "relating to" to convey the subject matter.

solely with respect to

Replaces "simply" with "solely" to emphasize exclusivity and "about" with "with respect to" for formality.

fundamentally concerning

Uses "fundamentally" instead of "simply" to highlight the basic essence.

essentially regarding

Employs "essentially" to indicate the core aspect and "regarding" as a substitute for "about".

primarily on the subject of

Indicates that the focus is mainly on a single topic.

mainly in connection with

Highlights a principal association.

largely with reference to

Signals a broad connection.

basically with regard to

Highlights the basic nature of the topic under consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "simply about" in a sentence?

Use "simply about" to indicate that a topic is straightforward and uncomplicated, like: "The discussion is "simply about" finding a solution."

What are some alternatives to "simply about"?

Alternatives include "merely concerning", "just regarding", or "purely relating to", each subtly altering the emphasis.

Is it correct to say "It's simply about"?

Yes, it's a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. According to Ludwig, it clearly conveys that something is straightforward.

What's the difference between "simply about" and "essentially about"?

"Simply about" suggests straightforwardness, while "essentially about" ("essentially about") emphasizes the fundamental nature of something.