simply yes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simply yes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to provide a straightforward and unambiguous affirmation in response to a question or statement. Example: "When asked if I would attend the meeting, my answer was simply yes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

The answer is, quite simply, yes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Asked for a response to the proposals, Osborne said simply "yes", adding that he would make a major commitment to economic growth in the north before December.

The Guardian

Why would I be voting yes if I could and why would I recommend it to those who can? Very simply, yes is the progressive vote.

The Guardian - Opinion

To put it simply: yes, there is a real positive impact in city pride from professional sports teams and their new buildings.

The Guardian - Sport

As Krugman writes: "The nature of the hold movement conservatism has on the Republican party may be summed up very simply: yes, Virginia, there is a vast rightwing conspiracy".

The Guardian - Books

He missed a perfect opportunity to say, quite simply, yes, I voted for it then, based on information that President Bush supplied, but when this information proved to be false, I realized that I had made a mistake.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

However, what many celebrities don't realize is a lot of advisors are simply "Yes-Men," that will always say yes if it means that celebrity may earn a dollar.

Huffington Post

They must simply vote yes or no.

The Guardian - Business

Most funds simply vote "yes" automatically in nearly all situations.

The New York Times

Also, you don't have to simply say yes or no.

The New York Times

I simply said, yes, it was nice that you had come.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "simply yes" to provide a clear and unambiguous answer when brevity and directness are valued. It avoids unnecessary elaboration and gets straight to the point.

Common error

While "simply yes" is grammatically sound, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. In professional documents or academic papers, opt for more elaborate and nuanced responses to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simply yes" functions as an affirmative response, offering a straightforward and unambiguous answer. According to Ludwig, it is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for providing clear confirmation. It serves to concisely express agreement or affirmation, aligning with examples found in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "simply yes" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to provide a direct and unambiguous affirmative response. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability across various contexts, ranging from news reports and scientific publications to business communications and informal conversations. While primarily used to offer clear agreement, it is best suited for situations where brevity is valued. When writing formally, be mindful of overusing "simply yes", and consider using more elaborate responses to showcase a deeper understanding. Alternatives like "just yes" or "absolutely yes" can add nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Just yes

Emphasizes the brevity and directness of the affirmation; slightly less formal.

Plainly yes

Highlights the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the affirmation.

Simply put, yes

Indicates that the affirmation is a concise summary of a more complex situation.

In short, yes

Similar to 'simply put, yes', but focuses on brevity.

Absolutely yes

Adds emphasis to the affirmative response, indicating strong agreement.

Indeed, yes

A more formal way of expressing agreement or affirmation.

Certainly yes

Implies a confident and assured affirmation.

Undoubtedly yes

Indicates that there is no question or doubt about the affirmation.

Positively yes

Another way to strongly affirm something, conveying certainty.

Without a doubt, yes

Expresses complete certainty and agreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "simply yes" to give a straightforward and unambiguous affirmation in response to a question or statement. For example: "When asked if I would attend the meeting, my answer was "simply yes"."

What are some alternatives to "simply yes"?

You can use alternatives like "just yes", "absolutely yes", or "indeed yes" depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is it grammatically correct to say "simply yes"?

Yes, "simply yes" is grammatically correct. The adverb "simply" modifies the affirmative response "yes", indicating that the answer is straightforward and without further explanation.

When is it appropriate to use "simply yes"?

It's appropriate to use "simply yes" when you want to provide a concise and direct affirmative response, especially in situations where brevity is valued or further elaboration is unnecessary. However, consider using more nuanced responses in formal settings or when more detail is expected.