to be simple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be simple" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the quality of being uncomplicated or easy to understand. Example: "In order to communicate effectively, it's important to be simple in your explanations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We want to be simple".

The New York Times

It used to be simple.

The Economist

It needs to be simple.

The New York Times

Drinking beer used to be simple.

The New York Times

It needs to be simple but inviting.

The New Yorker

It's not going to be simple".

The New York Times

You want it to be simple.

The New Yorker

TURKISH foreign policy used to be simple.

The Economist

It was meant to be simple.

The Guardian

It has to be simple and familiar.

The New York Times

Indeed is designed to be simple.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, ensure that your explanations "to be simple" avoid jargon and complex sentence structures. This makes your message accessible to a wider audience.

Common error

Avoid oversimplifying complex issues in an attempt "to be simple". Ensure you retain necessary nuances and details to prevent misleading interpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be simple" functions primarily as a verbal phrase within a sentence, often serving as a complement to a verb or as part of an infinitive clause. It expresses a desired or intended state of being, emphasizing clarity and ease. Ludwig AI's analysis supports this, showing frequent use in describing goals or qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be simple" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to advocate for clarity, ease of understanding, or lack of complexity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase appears frequently across various contexts, including News & Media and Science. While aiming "to be simple" is often desirable, it's crucial to avoid oversimplification and maintain necessary nuances. Alternatives such as "to be straightforward" or "to be uncomplicated" can be used depending on the specific context. By considering these insights, writers can effectively use "to be simple" while avoiding common pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be straightforward

Replaces the term "simple" with "straightforward", emphasizing directness and lack of ambiguity.

to be uncomplicated

Uses "uncomplicated" as a synonym for "simple", highlighting the absence of complexity.

to be easy

Focuses on the ease aspect, suitable when the primary concern is the lack of difficulty.

to be clear

Emphasizes the clarity and ease of understanding rather than simplicity in structure.

to be facile

Suggests an effortless or superficial simplicity, which can sometimes imply a lack of depth.

to be basic

Highlights the fundamental or essential nature, implying simplicity by reducing to core elements.

to be minimalist

Implies simplicity through reduction to essential elements, common in design and art contexts.

to be streamlined

Focuses on efficiency and simplicity achieved by removing unnecessary elements.

to be user-friendly

Specifically relates to the ease of use and accessibility of a system or product.

to be plain

Indicates simplicity by being unadorned or lacking in embellishment.

FAQs

How can I use "to be simple" in a sentence?

You can use "to be simple" to describe a process, explanation, or design. For example, "The goal of the new interface is "to be user friendly" and "to be simple".

What can I say instead of "to be simple"?

Alternatives to "to be simple" include "to be straightforward", "to be uncomplicated", or "to be easy" depending on the specific context.

Is it always a good idea "to be simple" in communication?

While simplicity is generally valued for clarity, it's important to balance it with accuracy and detail. Overly simplifying complex topics can lead to misunderstanding or misrepresentation.

What's the difference between "to be simple" and "to be simplistic"?

"To be simple" generally refers to a desirable quality of being easy to understand or use. "To be simplistic", on the other hand, often carries a negative connotation, suggesting an oversimplified and potentially misleading representation of something.