utterly simple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly simple" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is extremely easy to understand or do. Example: "The instructions for assembling the furniture were utterly simple, making the process quick and hassle-free."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Utterly simple, completely seductive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Segawa's menu is utterly simple: maguro don.

The New York Times - Travel

Utterly simple but rivetingly engaging video of everyday life.

University of California, Berkeley

The soup is utterly simple and easy to serve.

The New York Times - Food

Pro Utterly simple; strong connection between MP and locality.

Independent

Darts is an utterly simple game, consisting entirely of physical accuracy and mental arithmetic.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

In the line of literature's holy fools, running from, say, the utterly simple-minded Chance in "Being There" to the bombastically cunning Ignatius J. Reilly in "A Confederacy of Dunces," the protagonist of Patricia Wood's first novel lands somewhere in the middle, not far from Forrest Gump.

The New York Times - Books

These are simple, utterly repetitive pursuits that break the narrative momentum and add little to the game other than length.

The New York Times - Tech

The finale, however, is utterly masterful: the simple power of bodies in unison, the timpani beating a stately pavane and a Sun King costume fit for David Bowie.

The Guardian

"For all its prose power and somber earnestness," Loyle Hairston wrote, "Styron's novel utterly fails the simple test of honesty".

The New York Times - Books

The book's political subject is, of course, heavy and complex, but the novel itself is utterly lucid, direct, simple, and honest.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a solution, strategy, or explanation as "utterly simple", ensure that your audience genuinely perceives it that way. If there are underlying complexities, consider acknowledging them to avoid misleading your readers.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly simple" when describing something that, upon closer inspection, requires significant effort or understanding. Overusing the phrase can undermine your credibility if the audience perceives it as an exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly simple" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to emphasize its lack of complexity or difficulty. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing various subjects, from recipes to concepts, highlighting their straightforward nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "utterly simple" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjectival phrase that describes something as extremely easy or straightforward. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely used across diverse fields like news, academia, and general writing. While considered appropriate for both formal and informal writing, it leans toward a more neutral register. When using the phrase, remember to ensure that the subject truly embodies simplicity to maintain credibility. If not, consider alternatives such as "completely straightforward" or "perfectly simple" for more formal context. By being mindful of the context and audience, you can effectively convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely straightforward

Emphasizes the direct and uncomplicated nature of something.

entirely easy

Focuses on the lack of difficulty involved.

perfectly simple

Highlights the flawless simplicity of something.

absolutely basic

Stresses the fundamental and elementary aspect.

totally uncomplicated

Underscores the absence of complexity.

unmistakably clear

Highlights the lack of ambiguity, focusing on ease of understanding rather than complexity.

patently obvious

Implies the simplicity is so great it's immediately evident.

downright elementary

Suggests a basic level of simplicity, almost to the point of being condescending.

deceptively simple

Implies that something looks simple, but may have hidden complexities.

effortlessly easy

Focuses on the lack of effort required.

FAQs

What does "utterly simple" mean?

"Utterly simple" means extremely easy or straightforward, lacking any complexity or difficulty. It emphasizes the ease of understanding or execution.

How can I use "utterly simple" in a sentence?

You can use "utterly simple" to describe a process, concept, or design that is very easy to understand or use. For example, "The instructions were "utterly simple", making the assembly process quick and painless."

What are some alternatives to "utterly simple"?

Alternatives to "utterly simple" include "completely straightforward", "entirely easy", or "perfectly simple". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "utterly simple" a formal or informal expression?

"Utterly simple" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more common in less formal settings. In very formal writing, you might prefer alternatives such as "entirely straightforward" or "completely uncomplicated".