simply for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simply for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is done without any additional purpose or complexity. Example: "She decided to go to the event simply for the enjoyment of it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"They were kept simply for national pageants".

The Economist

Were they simply for closure?

The Guardian

The dance, called simply, "For Sam," began.

The New York Times

Such contempt simply for being ordinary.

The Guardian

"The desire is simply for something beautiful!

The New York Times - Arts

All this, simply for getting older.

The Guardian

He worked closely with them, not simply for them.

The New York Times

I think I also admired Snook simply for his name.

The New Yorker

A bullet simply for not getting up?... 8..

The New Yorker

I got jumped once simply for having a skateboard.

The Guardian - Music

He doesn't get credit simply for not shooting someone.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "simply for" to clearly state the singular reason or purpose behind an action, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity. For example, "He attended the meeting simply for the networking opportunity."

Common error

Avoid using "simply for" when the reason is multifaceted or complex. Overusing it can oversimplify the reasoning, making the explanation seem inadequate. In such cases, opt for phrases that acknowledge complexity, like "primarily because of" or "due to a combination of factors."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simply for" acts as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the reason or purpose behind an action or state. As Ludwig indicates, it clarifies that there is a single, uncomplicated reason for something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "simply for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that serves to emphasize the single, uncomplicated reason or purpose behind an action or state. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is primarily used in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While versatile, overusing it in complex explanations should be avoided to prevent oversimplification. Alternatives such as "merely for", "just for", and "solely for" can provide similar emphasis with slight variations in meaning. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a useful tool in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely for

Emphasizes the lack of any other reason or purpose.

just for

Indicates the action is done only for the stated reason, without additional intentions.

solely for

Highlights that the reason is the only one and no other factors are involved.

purely for

Stresses the unmixed and unadulterated nature of the reason.

exclusively for

Indicates that the action or item is intended for only the stated purpose or recipient.

only for

Specifies that something is intended or suitable for one particular purpose or person.

precisely for

Highlights the suitability and accuracy of the reason.

entirely for

Indicates that the reason is the complete and only one.

plainly for

Suggests that the reason is obvious and straightforward.

for the sake of

Emphasizes doing something out of consideration or respect for someone or something.

FAQs

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

Use "simply for" to express that something is done or exists for only one reason. For example, "They met "simply for the sake of" discussing the project".

What phrases are similar to "simply for"?

Similar phrases include "just for", "merely for", or "solely for", which all emphasize a single reason or purpose.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "simply for"?

While grammatically possible, starting a sentence with "simply for" is uncommon and might sound awkward. It's generally better to integrate it within the sentence for smoother flow.

What's the difference between "simply for" and "only for"?

"Simply for" emphasizes the straightforwardness of the reason, while "only for" highlights exclusivity. They are often interchangeable but can have subtle differences in emphasis.