simply not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simply not" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a negation or to express that something is straightforwardly untrue or unacceptable. Example: "I simply not agree with your assessment of the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's simply not adequate.

The New York Times

I'm simply not thinking.

The New Yorker

Simply not in me".

The New Yorker

"That's simply not true".

The New York Times

It's simply not true".

The New York Times

Simply not good enough".

The New York Times

That's simply not enough.

The New York Times

It's simply not acceptable.

The New York Times

It's simply not Lancaster's way.

Independent

That is simply not so.

The New York Times

This is simply not true.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "simply not" to express a straightforward disagreement or to emphasize that something is untrue. For example, "That's simply not the case."

Common error

While "simply not" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound repetitive. Vary your language with alternatives like "absolutely not" or "certainly not" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simply not" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier emphasizing negation. It is used to straightforwardly deny or contradict a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "simply not" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for emphasizing negation or expressing disagreement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's particularly common in news and media contexts, and while generally neutral in register, it can be perceived as somewhat informal in highly formal settings. Consider alternatives like "absolutely not" or "certainly not" for stronger emphasis or greater formality. When using "simply not", ensure it aligns with the intended tone and context of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely not

Emphasizes negation more strongly than "simply not".

definitely not

Similar to "absolutely not" but may imply less forcefulness.

certainly not

Implies a confident negation, similar to "definitely not".

just not

A more informal way to express negation.

plainly not

Indicates that something is clearly or obviously untrue.

merely not

Downplays the significance of something not being the case.

categorically not

A more formal and emphatic way to deny something.

not at all

A general expression of negation, sometimes used for politeness.

far from it

Indicates the opposite is true, adding emphasis.

not really

Softens the negation, making it less direct.

FAQs

How can I use "simply not" in a sentence?

You can use "simply not" to emphasize a negation or express that something is untrue. For example, "It's "simply not true"" or "That's "simply not the case"".

What are some alternatives to saying "simply not"?

Alternatives include "absolutely not", "definitely not", "certainly not", or "just not", depending on the context and desired level of emphasis.

Is "simply not" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "simply not" may sound less formal. In formal contexts, consider stronger alternatives like "absolutely not" or "categorically not".

What's the difference between "simply not" and "just not"?

"Simply not" and "just not" are similar, but "simply not" can sometimes convey a stronger sense of disagreement or emphasis. "Just not" is generally more informal.