straightforward but significant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "straightforward but significant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is easy to understand yet holds considerable importance or impact. Example: "The report was straightforward but significant, highlighting key issues that needed immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Stone was straightforward but significant.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But unless Lord Hunt, minister for sustainability, wears something truly spectacular, it'll be a straightforward but significant announcement about government and industry working together to combat throwaway fashion.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Its function is straightforward but important.

BBC

A regional approach, within the whole EU framework, is not straightforward, but could offer significant opportunities nationally.

Triple Helix

While this allows for a well-controlled experiment, Komissarov et al. (2009) have shown that the connection between the shape of the boundary and the external pressure gradient is not straightforward, with significant degeneracy.

Computational Astrophysics and Cosmology

My point here is more straightforward: in significant ways, apocalypticism strengthens the evangelical affinity for Trumpism.

Huffington Post

In spite of these concerns, the results are straightforward and significant.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

However, among the Asian population, with H. pylori infection being prevalent, a diagnosis of FD has been less straightforward, with significant overlap between the two [ 18].

BMC Gastroenterology

Testing these hypotheses in large epidemiological studies is now technically straightforward and significant polymorphisms are likely to be identified in the near future.

Breast Cancer Research

In either case, incorporation of 4βHC in phase I studies should be relatively straightforward, and significant changes detected in these studies could be used to trigger a more definitive MDZ interaction study later in clinical development.

CPT: Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology

Pretty straightforward, but also bleak.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "straightforward but significant", ensure that the straightforward aspect is genuinely simple to grasp, while the significance has a clear and demonstrable impact. Use this phrase to succinctly convey that something's simplicity doesn't diminish its importance.

Common error

Avoid using "straightforward but significant" when the 'straightforward' aspect is actually complex or the 'significance' is minimal. Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "straightforward but significant" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically modifying a noun or clause. It serves to qualify something as being both easily understood or accomplished and having noteworthy importance or impact. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "straightforward but significant" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It describes something that is simple and easy to understand while also being important or impactful. While relatively rare, it appears in contexts such as news, lifestyle, and scientific articles. When using this phrase, ensure that the simplicity and significance are both genuinely present and that the combination is what you want to highlight. Alternatives like "simple yet important" or "clear but meaningful" can be used depending on the specific nuance required. Ludwig's analysis underlines the dual nature of this expression: something can be uncomplicated without losing its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simple yet important

Changes the word choice to convey a similar meaning, focusing on simplicity and importance.

clear but meaningful

Replaces "straightforward" with "clear" and "significant" with "meaningful", maintaining the core concept.

uncomplicated yet consequential

Uses more formal synonyms, highlighting the lack of complexity and the resulting consequences.

direct but impactful

Emphasizes the directness and the impactful nature of something.

basic but crucial

Highlights the fundamental and essential nature of something.

easy yet vital

Focuses on the ease of understanding or implementation and its vital importance.

undemanding but weighty

Emphasizes the lack of difficulty while highlighting the seriousness and importance.

accessible but substantial

Highlights the ease of access or understanding and the considerable substance or value.

plain but far-reaching

Emphasizes simplicity and the extensive impact or consequences.

elementary yet profound

Highlights the basic nature combined with deep insight or impact.

FAQs

How can I use "straightforward but significant" in a sentence?

You can use "straightforward but significant" to describe something that is easy to understand or implement, yet has a notable impact or importance. For example, "The solution was "straightforward but significant", addressing the core issue effectively."

What are some alternatives to "straightforward but significant"?

Alternatives include "simple yet important", "clear but meaningful", or "uncomplicated yet consequential", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say something is both "straightforward" and "significant"?

No, it isn't necessarily redundant. The phrase "straightforward but significant" is used to emphasize that something's simplicity doesn't detract from its importance or impact. It highlights a contrast between ease and consequence.

Can "straightforward but significant" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "straightforward but significant" can be used in formal writing, but consider the context. More formal synonyms like "uncomplicated yet consequential" might be more appropriate in certain academic or professional settings.