somewhat simple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat simple" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is easy to understand or do, but not entirely without complexity. Example: "The instructions for the project are somewhat simple, making it accessible for beginners."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

By contrast, framboise, made with raspberries, is all power: direct and intense if somewhat simple.

The New York Times - Food

"When others think about Midwesterners, they think: naïve, somewhat simple," Mr. Baxter said ruefully.

The New York Times - Books

Barwick Blackwood Valley 2000 $9 *½ Somewhat simple, with flavors of sour cherry and eucalyptus.

The New York Times - Food

Indian spices elevate a somewhat simple veg combo into something extra special here.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In an interview on Tuesday, Mr. Kerry took 40 minutes to arrive at a somewhat simple formulation.

The New York Times

He appears sweetly oblivious and somewhat simple throughout, but there's more going on: he's ultimately revealed to be painfully aware of the chaos surrounding him.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

The result, says Variety's Peter Debruge, "finally feels more like the blockbuster this top-earning franchise deserves … Despite the somewhat simple-minded source, the producers plot everything as if it were a strategic game of chess".

The Guardian - Film

For AT&T and Comcast, the situation is somewhat simpler.

The New York Times

But he saw things in somewhat simpler terms.

The New York Times - Sports

When we compare data and marx simulation below, we chose a somewhat simpler approach.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Holger Hoock, in his new book, "Scars of Independence" (Crown), has a somewhat simpler point to make.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat simple" when you want to indicate that something is easy to understand or perform, but not entirely devoid of complexity. This conveys a nuanced level of simplicity.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat simple" repeatedly in formal writing, as it may come across as imprecise or lacking in sophistication. Opt for more specific descriptors like 'moderately straightforward' or 'relatively uncomplicated' to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat simple" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically used to describe a noun. It serves to qualify the degree of simplicity, indicating it is present to some extent but not entirely complete. Ludwig examples validate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat simple" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe something that possesses a moderate degree of simplicity. It's prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Academia contexts, conveying a neutral tone suitable for professional communication. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's appropriateness and utility, highlighting its role in expressing a nuanced level of ease. When aiming for precise and sophisticated language, writers can consider alternatives, but "somewhat simple" remains a reliable choice for conveying a balance between simplicity and complexity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moderately uncomplicated

Replaces 'simple' with 'uncomplicated' and 'somewhat' with 'moderately', suggesting a slightly easier degree of complexity.

slightly uncomplicated

This alternative conveys a nuance of being uncomplicated to a minor extent, maintaining the essence of the original phrase.

relatively straightforward

Substitutes "somewhat simple" with a phrase that emphasizes ease and directness, while keeping a similar level of complexity.

not overly complex

Rephrases the concept using a negation of complexity, emphasizing that something is not excessively intricate.

reasonably basic

Replaces 'simple' with 'basic' and 'somewhat' with 'reasonably', indicating an expected level of simplicity.

fairly elementary

Using "elementary" instead of "simple" suggests a foundational level of ease, while "fairly" maintains the moderation.

somewhat rudimentary

Utilizes 'rudimentary' to imply a basic and undeveloped quality similar to simple, keeping the 'somewhat' for mitigation.

kind of easy

Replaces "somewhat" with "kind of" and "simple" with "easy", resulting in a more colloquial and less formal tone.

a bit unsophisticated

Employs 'unsophisticated' to reflect a lack of complexity, akin to simple, while 'a bit' softens the intensity.

rather plain

Conveys a sense of simplicity through 'plain', indicating a lack of ornamentation or complexity, with 'rather' adding moderation.

FAQs

How can I use "somewhat simple" in a sentence?

You can use "somewhat simple" to describe a task, concept, or design that is not overly complex but not completely basic either. For example, "The instructions were "somewhat simple", allowing beginners to complete the project."

What are some alternatives to saying "somewhat simple"?

Alternatives to "somewhat simple" include "relatively easy", "fairly straightforward", or "moderately uncomplicated depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "somewhat simple", or should I use another phrase?

It is perfectly acceptable to say "somewhat simple". However, the best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required. Consider alternatives like "somewhat easier" or "slightly less complex" for added precision.

What's the difference between "somewhat simple" and "very simple"?

"Somewhat simple" indicates a moderate degree of simplicity, suggesting there may be some minor complexity involved. "Very simple", on the other hand, implies a higher level of simplicity, suggesting almost no complexity. Therefore, "very simple" is a higher degree of simplicity, while "somewhat simple" is not.