simply like that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simply like that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when summarizing something quickly or referring to an easy task that does not need a lot of explanation. For example, "I put together the dresser--it was simply like that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"We have had cases about our patients throughout, about problems in our workday – simply like that - ethical issues" (F3).

BMC Medical Ethics

Tony Blair: The point I'm making is you can't look at it simply like that because how they meet these targets... Jeremy Paxman: You can't give us a ball park figure?

The Guardian

His in-depth moroseness is amusingly celebrated in a Seth Meyers spoof video that has him sitting at a dinner party in New York and throwing a damper on the conversation, but really, there is no criticism to be made of the character in either concept or performance, because the North of the show is simply like that: it leaves nothing to be said.

The New Yorker

Had they sat me down in a corner bound in real chains, placed policemen in front of me, and let me look on simply like that, it could not have been worse".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Quenneville said simply: "I like that line".

The New York Times - Sports

The character simply "likes wearing that kind of clothing". .

Huffington Post

Back in the parched barren landscape of the Darfur camps, Mattar the tobacco farmer would simply like an acknowledgement that grave injustices were committed.

Independent

I'd simply like to argue that deer are not adorable or serene or majestical.

Vice

If they fail to do so, then realize some people are simply like that--shrug and move on, but if you catch them again, turn them into authority (i.e. teachers, bosses, etc).

WikiHow

It seems that Mr. Munisteri simply likes the harmony that comes from ballet's centered, upright torso, even when he upends the body, or angles it to a side.

The New York Times - Arts

"It is much easier for everyone to believe that Jay simply liked to disappear, that it was all about a problem deep within himself.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "simply like that" to convey a sense of ease or lack of complication in a process or situation. For example, "The problem was resolved simply like that, with a single adjustment."

Common error

While "simply like that" is acceptable in informal contexts, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simply like that" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which an action is performed or a situation occurs. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "simply like that" is used to describe actions or events that occur with ease or without complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most commonly found in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, with a tendency toward neutral to informal register. While grammatically sound, it's important to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings. The phrase's main function is to emphasize straightforwardness, making it a concise way to summarize processes or situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just like that

Replaces "simply" with "just", emphasizing the ease and suddenness of an action or event.

easily like that

Substitutes "simply" with "easily", highlighting the lack of difficulty in achieving something.

plainly like that

Uses "plainly" instead of "simply", focusing on the clarity and straightforwardness of a situation.

directly like that

Replaces "simply" with "directly", indicating a lack of intermediaries or complications.

merely like that

Uses "merely" to replace "simply", suggesting that something is only happening in a basic or minimal way.

only like that

Replaces "simply" with "only", indicating a singular or limited aspect of something.

purely like that

Substitutes "simply" with "purely", emphasizing the unadulterated or genuine nature of something.

basically like that

Uses "basically" instead of "simply", highlighting the fundamental nature or essence of something.

essentially like that

Employs "essentially" to replace "simply", emphasizing the core or most important aspect of something.

fundamentally like that

Replaces "simply" with "fundamentally", indicating the basic or foundational nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "simply like that" in a sentence?

You can use "simply like that" to describe how easily or directly something happens. For example, "The issue was resolved "just like that", with a quick phone call."

What's a more formal alternative to "simply like that"?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "easily", "directly", or "without complication" instead of "simply like that". For instance, "The problem was resolved "without complication"" maintains a more professional tone.

Is it always appropriate to use "simply like that"?

While "simply like that" is generally acceptable, it might sound too informal in academic or professional writing. Consider your audience and the context when deciding whether to use it.

What does "simply like that" imply in a statement?

"Simply like that" implies that something was done or happened easily, quickly, and without any difficulty or complex steps. It is often used to emphasize the ease or straightforwardness of a situation.