this is far from straightforward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'this is far from straightforward' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to express that something is quite complex or challenging. For example: "Understanding the new tax regulations is far from straightforward - I'm not sure where to start!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In the current context of looming Brexit negotiations, this is far from straightforward".

The Guardian

Other MEAs might be more effective if their trade clauses were immune from challenge by non-signatories at the WTO.But this is far from straightforward.

The Economist

But this is far from straightforward as managing risk and planning urban environments, involves intervening in the complex city systems, based on the interrelated impacts of the drivers of change.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

With nanoscale particulates, this is far from straightforward as the complex and varied mechanisms of interaction with cells mean that the exposure dose does not directly correlate to quantity of particles actually internalized.

ACS Nano

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The politics of all this are far from straightforward.Seceding from Britain is not especially popular in Scotland but Mr Salmond is.

The Economist

Quantifying the 'general equilibrium' fiscal effects of policy changes in this way is far from straightforward.

The Guardian

The paper finds that this transference is far from straightforward, resulting in several problems in its deployment within the area.

Journal of Systems and Software

Maintaining this stance is far from straightforward, though, and he now spends much of his life fretting over when inspiration will strike.

The Guardian

This decision is far from straightforward.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Owing to the complex nature of the topic 'patient safety', delineating the literature on this topic is far from straightforward.

BMJ Open

Because evolution involves change in gene frequencies, an evolutionary response requires genetic variability, and inferring evolution in response to fishing pressure in the absence of this information is far from straightforward.

Evolutionary Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is far from straightforward" to introduce a nuanced explanation, providing context for potential misunderstandings. Don't just state it; elaborate on why it's not simple.

Common error

Avoid using "this is far from straightforward" as a standalone statement. Always follow up with an explanation or examples to clarify the complexities involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is far from straightforward" functions as a transitional phrase. It signals to the audience that the topic at hand is more complex than it initially appears. Ludwig, by providing real-world examples, confirms its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

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 phrase "this is far from straightforward" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that a topic or situation is complex and requires careful consideration. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. To use it effectively, avoid stating it as a standalone remark; instead, provide context and explanation to elaborate on the complexities involved. Alternatives such as "this is anything but simple" or "this is quite complex" can be used depending on the desired emphasis. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, you can confidently and accurately employ "this is far from straightforward" in your own writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is anything but simple

Emphasizes the opposite of simplicity, highlighting the complexity of the situation.

this is quite complex

Directly states that something is complex, removing figurative language.

this is not a walk in the park

Uses a common idiom to express that something is challenging or difficult.

this is not as easy as it seems

Highlights the deceptive difficulty of something, suggesting it appears simpler than it is.

navigating this is tricky

Focuses on the difficulty of navigating or dealing with the situation.

this presents significant challenges

Focuses on the challenges posed by a situation, rather than its simplicity or directness.

this is a multifaceted problem

Highlights that the problem has many aspects and is therefore complex.

this requires careful consideration

Suggests that the situation demands thorough thought and attention due to its complexity.

this is fraught with difficulties

Emphasizes the presence of numerous difficulties and potential problems.

this is a thorny issue

Uses a metaphor to describe the problem as being complex and potentially painful to deal with.

FAQs

What does "this is far from straightforward" mean?

It means something is complex, not simple, and requires careful thought or explanation. It implies potential difficulties or hidden complexities.

What are some alternatives to "this is far from straightforward"?

You could use phrases like "this is anything but simple", "this is quite complex", or "this is not a walk in the park" depending on the context.

How can I use "this is far from straightforward" in a sentence?

For example, "Understanding the new tax law is far from straightforward; it requires consulting with a professional."

Is it okay to use "this is far from straightforward" in formal writing?

Yes, it's acceptable in formal writing. It is used in news, scientific, and academic contexts. However, always ensure clarity by providing supporting details.