the simplest of issues

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the simplest of issues" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to problems or topics that are easy to understand or resolve. Example: "Despite being the simplest of issues, it took the team longer than expected to reach a consensus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The simplest of issues can become complex if one lets them.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Many models have been proposed to address this issue, the simplest of which is the use of the mean incubation temperature as the sole predictor of nest sex ratio (e.g. [7], [16], [17]), or the combined use of the mean and variance of nest temperature in a bivariate plot under a sum-of-squares criterion to best fit a line separating male- from female-biased sex ratios [18], [19].

Plosone

To frame a complex issue in the simplest of terms, women want smart devices that enhance their lives.

Huffington Post

The most obvious are the simple issues of workload and timescale, as referred to in the detailed accounts cited above, for example the RMIT case apparently took two years to resolve and a significant amount of academic staff time in preparation for and attendance at court hearings (Zobel 2004).

International Journal for Educational Integrity

And, of course, the simple issue of her size; surrounded by etiolated pop waifs she has always looked so much more of a grown-up.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The question now, for Spain, and for the rest of Europe, focuses on the simple issue of who was responsible for these deaths, which represent one of the worst civilian massacres in Western Europe for decades.

The Guardian

Then there is the simple issue of funding, as Andrew Steele, creator of Scienceogram, a website to raise awareness of spending on scientific research, argues.

The Guardian

On top of these problems there is the simple issue of differences in proteins that exist between the Asian elephant that would be used as a surrogate mother and the mammoth embryo you have created.

The Guardian

Finally, there is the simple issue of understanding science, as Paul Boyle, vice-chancellor of Leicester University, makes clear.

The Guardian

According to some of members of the task force, the group has worked out several of the simpler housekeeping issues.

The New York Times

The simplest interoperability issue is the inclusion of Win32 API based unmanaged code in a.NET Framework application.

Student's Essential Guide to .NET

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about complex topics, using "the simplest of issues" can help frame introductory points or foundational concepts before diving into more intricate details.

Common error

Avoid using "the simplest of issues" when the subject matter is, in reality, more complex. Misrepresenting the difficulty can undermine your credibility and confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the simplest of issues" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object within a sentence. It identifies a topic or problem characterized by its lack of complexity. As Ludwig AI suggests, even simple issues can become complex.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the simplest of issues" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a basic or uncomplicated problem. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While relatively rare in occurrence, it appears across various contexts, particularly in news and scientific media. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the issue is genuinely simple to avoid misleading your audience. Consider alternatives like "the most basic issue" or "a simple matter" for similar but nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the easiest of problems

Replaces 'simplest' with 'easiest', emphasizing the lack of difficulty.

the most basic issue

Focuses on the fundamental nature of the issue rather than its simplicity.

the most straightforward problem

Highlights the direct and uncomplicated nature of the problem.

the most elementary question

Emphasizes the fundamental and initial nature of the inquiry.

the most uncomplicated matter

Replaces 'issue' with 'matter', suggesting a topic that lacks complexity.

the most rudimentary concern

Focuses on the basic and underdeveloped nature of the concern.

the most trivial of concerns

Highlights the insignificance of the problem.

a minor issue

A more concise way to convey the lack of importance of the issue.

a basic point

Simplifies the phrase to indicate a fundamental aspect.

a simple matter

Omits 'of issues' and is a shorter alternative to express a similar meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "the simplest of issues" in a sentence?

You can use "the simplest of issues" to introduce a basic problem or topic before discussing more complex aspects. For example, "Even with "the simplest of issues", thorough analysis is necessary.".

What's a good alternative to "the simplest of issues"?

Alternatives include "the most basic issue", "the easiest of problems", or "a simple matter", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "the simplest of issues" formal or informal?

"The simplest of issues" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more concise alternatives like "a minor issue" may be preferred in more formal writing.

When should I avoid using "the simplest of issues"?

Avoid using "the simplest of issues" if the problem or topic is actually complex or multifaceted. Using the phrase in such cases could be misleading or dismissive.