simply than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simply than" is not correct and cannot be used in written English.
It appears to be a fragment that lacks proper context or structure, as "simply" typically requires a comparative form following "than." Example: "This task is simply more challenging than I expected."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Johns, as usual, has expressed his underlyiong ambition better and more simply than anyone else.

The New Yorker

"I can't put it any more simply than that," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

The Chester plays are rich in content, yet tell the great story of human redemption more simply than the other surviving cycles of York, Wakefield, and "N-Town".

Encyclopedia Britannica

By adopting the view that Earth circled the Sun, he could qualitatively explain the to-and-fro wanderings of the planets much more simply than Ptolemy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Few people have put it better, or more simply, than James M. Dorsey, a former foreign correspondent in the Middle East and now a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.

The New York Times - Sports

The chief advantage of a classed catalog is that the entries are related subjects grouped together in the file; thus, a subject search can be made much more simply than in a catalog based on the alphabet.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Such explanation fail to explain, Montage must be simplier than that or Hollywood wouldn't be enjoying it so thoroughly.

The New Yorker

We are simply better than that".

The New York Times

Perhaps destruction is simply easier than kindness.

The Guardian - Opinion

The hole was simply deeper than it appeared.

The Economist

Or maybe the convalescence is simply longer than anyone thought.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When intending to make a comparison using "simply", ensure it’s followed by "more" or another comparative adjective. For example, use "simply better than" or "simply easier than".

Common error

Avoid using "simply than" without a comparative adjective. This construction is grammatically incorrect. Always include "more" or another suitable comparative term to create a valid comparison. The correct construction would be something like "simply more effective than".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simply than" is grammatically incomplete and lacks a comparative element. As Ludwig AI points out, it typically requires a comparative adjective like "more" to form a correct comparative structure. Without it, the phrase is non-standard and doesn't function properly.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "simply than" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it lacks a necessary comparative element. To convey the intended meaning of easier or less complicated comparison, use phrases like "simply more effective than" or alternatives such as "more easily than". Always ensure correct grammatical structure to maintain clarity and professionalism in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more straightforward than

Replaces "simply" with "straightforward" emphasizing clarity and ease of understanding.

easier than

Focuses on the ease of doing something compared to another option.

more directly than

Highlights a more direct approach, avoiding unnecessary complexity.

more clearly than

Emphasizes the clarity of one thing over another.

in a simpler way than

Rephrases to focus on the method being simpler.

more plainly than

Highlights the plainness and lack of complexity.

more concisely than

Emphasizes brevity and efficiency in communication.

more efficiently than

Focuses on achieving better results with less effort.

in a less complicated manner than

Highlights the reduction of complication.

more accessibly than

Highlights ease of access or understanding for a wider audience.

FAQs

How can I correctly use "simply" in a comparative sentence?

To correctly use "simply" in a comparative sentence, ensure it is followed by "more" and an adjective, such as "simply more effective than" or "simply more efficient than".

What are some alternatives to the incorrect phrase "simply than"?

Instead of "simply than", consider using alternatives like "more easily than", "more directly than", or "more plainly than".

Is there a grammatical error in the phrase "simply than"?

Yes, the phrase "simply than" is grammatically incorrect. It requires a comparative adjective like "more", for example, "simply more than" to form a valid comparison.

How does "simply more than" differ from "just more than" in meaning?

"Simply more than" emphasizes ease or lack of complication in exceeding a certain level, while "just more than" emphasizes that the excess is not substantial. The choice depends on the intended nuance.