very simple

USAGE SUMMARY

'very simple' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is easy to do or understand. Example: "The instructions for using the program were very simple."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Very simple.

The New York Times

One is very simple.

The New York Times

It's really very simple.

The New York Times

"Look, it's very simple.

The New Yorker

That's very simple".

Independent

It's very simple, really.

Independent

Very simple, straightforward.

The New York Times - Travel

"It is very simple.

The New York Times - Books

It looks very simple.

The New York Times

It's simple, very simple.

The New York Times

Many are very simple.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very simple" when you want to emphasize the ease of understanding or execution of something. It's suitable for explaining concepts, giving instructions, or describing processes that don't require extensive knowledge or effort.

Common error

While "very simple" is acceptable in most contexts, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "straightforward" or "uncomplicated" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very simple" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe its ease or lack of complexity. Ludwig examples demonstrate it’s used to characterize processes, explanations, or items as easy to understand or execute. The phrase serves to indicate something isn't difficult.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Wiki

9%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very simple" is a commonly used adjective phrase that effectively conveys the ease or lack of complexity of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across various contexts, especially within news and media sources. While appropriate for general use, more formal alternatives might be preferable in professional or academic settings. Remember to use "very simple" when you want to emphasize the straightforward nature of a concept or task, but avoid overuse to maintain clarity and avoid sounding simplistic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite uncomplicated

Emphasizes lack of complexity; slightly more formal.

highly basic

Highlights the fundamental nature; can sometimes imply rudimentary.

utterly straightforward

Focuses on directness and ease of understanding.

genuinely elementary

Suggests ease of understanding, often in an academic or instructional setting.

completely undemanding

Implies that the task or concept requires little effort or skill.

really clear-cut

Indicates a lack of ambiguity and ease of perception.

incredibly accessible

Emphasizes ease of access or understanding for a wide audience.

remarkably unpretentious

Highlights the lack of affectation or complexity.

patently easy

Emphasizes that the ease is obvious or undeniable.

decidedly uncomplicated

Affirms the lack of complexity with certainty.

FAQs

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

You can use "very simple" to describe something that is easy to understand or do. For example: "The instructions were "very simple"".

What are some alternatives to "very simple"?

Alternatives include "quite uncomplicated", "highly basic", or "utterly straightforward", depending on the specific context.

Is it okay to use "very simple" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, it's often better to use more formal synonyms like "uncomplicated" or "straightforward" in academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "very simple" and "simplistic"?

"Very simple" describes something that is genuinely easy to understand, while "simplistic" often implies that something is overly simplified and lacks necessary complexity. Simplistic can be pejorative.