slightly uncomplicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly uncomplicated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not very complex or difficult, but still has a minor level of simplicity. Example: "The instructions were slightly uncomplicated, making it easier for beginners to follow along."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, at moderate to high efficacy levels, BSVs avert slightly less uncomplicated cases than PEV, but slightly more severe episodes and deaths (compare Figures 5 and S3 and Figures 7, S4, 8a c, g i).

Plosone

But his collection didn't have that faint odor of the streets, that slightly dirty but uncomplicated sense of sex and freedom that a photographer like Helmut Newton instinctively recognized when, in the 1970's, he put Saint Laurent's pantsuits on boyish-looking models and photographed them on streets cruised by prostitutes.

The New York Times - Style

There is indication that women with uncomplicated births were slightly overrepresented in the sample: 31.3% gave birth at home, with a estimated national home birth rate of 29% [ 22].

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Understandably, this self-indulgent mood slightly mars my husband's pure and uncomplicated enjoyment of this terrific show.

The Guardian

When oral cephalosporins such as cefuroxime axetil is used, a 5-day course give similar or slightly superior bacteriological response as compared to penicillin V. Uncomplicated S. pyogenes infections generally respond well to treatment with beta lactams.

Emerging Microbes and Infections

Uncomplicated stuff after Clark and Womack, but this slightly frattier Bryan Adams seems harmless rather than gormless after Florida Georgia Line.

The Guardian - Music

What is there to sublimate?" The spooky, slightly kinky ceremony of the Foretellers suggests otherwise: sex is never uncomplicated, even among enlightened androgynes.

The New Yorker

From then on, Diana eschewed the billowy, slightly fussy looks of her earlier days in favor of chic, uncomplicated fashion, said Eleri Lynn, the curator of last year's exhibition "Diana: Her Fashion Story" at Kensington Palace.

Huffington Post

Preselecting of women with an uncomplicated pregnancy could therefore result in a population with slightly different genotype distribution.

BioMed Research International

A meta-analysis of chlamydia treatment options showed a slightly better cure rate of 3%% with doxycycline compared with single dose azithromycin for uncomplicated chlamydia infection, but a 7%% better cure rate with doxycycline for clinical urethritis [ 51].

BMC Infectious Diseases

He concludes with a suspenseful account of the uncomplicated delivery of a healthy baby at the house of some friends—a refreshing (if ever so slightly romanticized) ending for a refreshing book, and, one senses, a beginning of some sort, too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, "slightly uncomplicated" can be used to temper expectations of absolute simplicity. It acknowledges a degree of complexity while still conveying a sense of ease.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly uncomplicated" when describing something that is, in fact, highly complex. This creates confusion and undermines the intended message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly uncomplicated" functions as an adverb-adjective combination, where "slightly" modifies and qualifies the adjective "uncomplicated". This indicates a state of being simple to a certain degree, but not entirely devoid of complexity. Ludwig suggests this construction is usable in English.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightly uncomplicated" is a grammatically correct and usable expression intended to convey a sense of relative simplicity, as confirmed by Ludwig. While there are currently no direct examples in Ludwig's database, the analysis suggests that this phrase functions as an adjective modified by an adverb, allowing for a nuanced description that avoids absolutes. Alternative phrases such as "somewhat straightforward" or "relatively simple" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly less intricate

Directly contrasts with complexity, indicating a reduced level of detail; uses 'intricate' as the opposite of 'uncomplicated'.

somewhat straightforward

Indicates a condition that is relatively direct and easy to understand; replaces 'uncomplicated' with 'straightforward'.

relatively simple

Replaces 'uncomplicated' with 'simple', suggesting ease and lack of complexity; retains the modifier indicating a degree.

fairly basic

Suggests a level of simplicity that is adequate but not advanced; 'basic' replaces 'uncomplicated'.

moderately elementary

Emphasizes a foundational level of simplicity, where 'elementary' replaces 'uncomplicated'.

a bit rudimentary

Indicates a basic and undeveloped state, swapping 'uncomplicated' for 'rudimentary'.

mildly unrefined

Suggests a lack of polish or sophistication. This alternative shifts the focus from simplicity to lack of refinement.

somewhat unsophisticated

Implies a lack of complexity due to a lack of sophistication, not necessarily due to inherent simplicity.

a little plain

Indicates a lack of embellishment or complexity, where 'plain' replaces 'uncomplicated'.

marginally uninvolved

Suggests a state of not being deeply engaged or complexly intertwined, shifting the focus to detachment.

FAQs

How can I use "slightly uncomplicated" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly uncomplicated" to describe a process, design, or idea that is mostly simple but has a few elements that require a bit more attention. For example, "The instructions were "slightly uncomplicated", making them accessible to most users".

What's a good alternative to "slightly uncomplicated"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "somewhat straightforward", "relatively simple", or "fairly basic". These alternatives maintain the idea of relative simplicity.

Is "slightly uncomplicated" grammatically correct?

Yes, "slightly uncomplicated" is grammatically correct. The adverb 'slightly' modifies the adjective 'uncomplicated', indicating a degree of simplicity.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "slightly uncomplicated"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that something isn't overly complex but isn't completely simple either. It suggests a manageable level of simplicity with some nuanced elements.