that is too simple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that is too simple" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea that something is too straightforward or uncomplicated. For example, "She gave me a solution to the problem, but that is too simple."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

But is deep learning based on a model of the brain that is too simple?

MIT Technology Review

But while these objects exceed garden-variety luxury goods with their fierce physical perfection, they seem muscle-bound as art -- a case of the medium overwhelming a message that is too simple to begin with.

The New York Times - Arts

Michel Camdessus, a former IMF director who made Mr Ouattara one of his deputies, says he has "exceptional integrity, judgment and intellectual rigour" and is "admirably prepared" to return his country, once the region's most prosperous, to the economic eminence it enjoyed in the 1970s.As for the allegation that Mr Ouattara will personify a north-south division, that is too simple.

The Economist

However, a goal that is too simple or easily achieved will not be challenging to players.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

c A multi-fragment query that is too simple to produce any fingerprint information with enough filtering power for efficient screening.

Journal of Cheminformatics

You rarely make a resolution that is too simple to keep because, really, why would you need a resolution for something simple?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Is deep learning based on a model that's too simple?

MIT Technology Review

Trollope thought detective stories had plots that were too complex and characters that were too simple.

The New York Times - Books

Self-defined sophisticated gardeners have long disparaged this generous immigrant flower that was too simple to grow and too easily transformed landscapes into breathtaking vistas of beauty.

The New York Times

The final blackout came as a surprise, and the suspicion remains that Fosse creates stories that are too simple, stories that work everywhere and nowhere.

The Guardian

Principals at the 10 participating schools identified a common problem: Teachers in grades third through fifth often asked students questions about their reading that were too simple.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When critiquing a proposed solution or explanation, follow the statement "that is too simple" with a brief explanation of what complexities are being overlooked to provide constructive feedback.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "that is too simple" without providing context or elaborating on what aspects are being oversimplified. This can come across as dismissive and unhelpful. Instead, offer specific reasons why the statement is inadequate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that is too simple" functions as a judgmental statement expressing that something lacks necessary complexity or nuance. Ludwig examples confirm this usage across various contexts, highlighting its role in critiquing oversimplified explanations or solutions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that is too simple" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a lack of necessary complexity or nuance in an idea, explanation, or solution. According to Ludwig AI, it functions as a judgmental statement, expressing disagreement and prompting further discussion. While versatile, it's most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Academia contexts, and it is crucial to provide constructive criticism to avoid sounding dismissive. Alternatives such as "that is an oversimplification" offer varying degrees of emphasis on the simplification aspect. Always remember to balance critique with explanation for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's overly simplistic

Emphasizes the excessive simplification of a concept.

that is an oversimplification

Highlights the act of simplifying something to an inaccurate degree.

that's a facile explanation

Suggests the explanation lacks depth and is superficial.

that's not nuanced enough

Indicates a lack of subtlety and detail in understanding or expression.

that's a bit reductive

Points out the reduction of something complex to its basic elements, potentially losing essential qualities.

that lacks complexity

Directly states the absence of intricate details or sophisticated elements.

that is too elementary

Implies something is at a very basic level, suitable for beginners.

that is a naive interpretation

Suggests the interpretation is unsophisticated and lacks experience or critical thinking.

that's a crude assessment

Highlights the lack of refinement and precision in the evaluation.

that doesn't capture the full picture

Indicates the explanation or understanding is incomplete and misses important aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "that is too simple" in a sentence?

You can use "that is too simple" to express that an idea, explanation, or solution lacks necessary complexity or nuance. For example, "The proposed budget cut seems like a quick fix, but "that is too simple" to address the underlying issues".

What are some alternatives to saying "that is too simple"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that is an oversimplification", "that's overly simplistic", or "that's not nuanced enough", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "that is too simple"?

It's appropriate to use "that is too simple" when you believe a proposed solution, explanation, or approach doesn't adequately address the complexities of a situation and requires a more thorough or detailed consideration.

Is there a risk of sounding dismissive when using "that is too simple"?

Yes, using "that is too simple" can sound dismissive if not followed by a constructive explanation. To avoid this, always explain why you believe the idea is too simple and what aspects need further consideration.