simply that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simply that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a straightforward point or conclusion without any additional complexity. Example: "The issue is simply that we need more time to complete the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She became simply "that girl".

The Guardian - Film

Simply: that strength, that independence.

The New Yorker

"Simply that: already there.

The Guardian - Books

It was simply that kind of night.

The Guardian - Sport

But energy is simply that ½ mv2 for each molecule.

Yale University

Tic Tac Toe is simply that - Tic Tac Toe.

Stanford University

Put simply, that wasn't Rakoff's call to make.

The New Yorker

Mitch said simply: "That sounds right.

Duke University

It is simply that important.

HuffPost

Qooca is simply that amazing.

HuffPost

It's simply that conservatives must do better.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "simply that" to introduce a straightforward explanation or reason, avoiding unnecessary complexity. For example, "The reason for the delay is simply that we needed more data."

Common error

Avoid using "simply that" when addressing nuanced or multifaceted issues. It can oversimplify complex situations and undermine the depth of your analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simply that" functions as an adverbial phrase used to introduce or emphasize a straightforward explanation or reason. Ludwig shows it connects a preceding statement to a subsequent clarification. It clarifies the point in a direct, uncomplicated manner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "simply that" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce or emphasize a straightforward explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase functions as an adverbial phrase, providing clarity and directness. While it appears across various contexts, it's most frequently used in News & Media and Academic writing. When using this phrase, remember to avoid oversimplifying complex issues and consider using alternatives like "just that" or "merely that" for nuanced expressions. Its frequent usage and broad acceptance make "simply that" a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely that

Replaces "simply" with "merely", slightly altering the emphasis but retaining the core meaning.

just that

Substitutes "simply" with "just", providing a more informal tone while conveying the same idea.

purely that

Replaces "simply" with "purely", emphasizing the lack of any other contributing factors.

only that

Uses "only" instead of "simply" to highlight that nothing more is involved or relevant.

solely that

Emphasizes that there is exclusively one reason or factor involved, similar to "only that".

precisely that

Replaces "simply" with "precisely", indicating exactness or accuracy in the statement.

exactly that

Similar to "precisely that", emphasizing the accuracy and lack of deviation from the stated point.

fundamentally that

Highlights that the core or essential reason is "that", adding a layer of depth.

basically that

Offers a more casual way of saying "simply that", indicating the underlying reason or situation.

essentially that

Similar to "fundamentally that", focusing on the essential nature of the statement.

FAQs

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

Use "simply that" to introduce a clear and uncomplicated explanation or reason. For instance, "The problem is "simply that" we lack the necessary resources."

What are some alternatives to "simply that"?

You can use phrases like "just that", "merely that", or "only that" as alternatives to "simply that", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it is simply that"?

Yes, "it is simply that" is grammatically correct and commonly used to introduce an explanation. For example, "The issue is not ability; it is "simply that" motivation is lacking."

What is the difference between "simply that" and "just that"?

While both phrases are similar, "simply that" can sometimes imply a more straightforward or uncomplicated explanation compared to "just that", which might carry a slightly more casual tone.