was far from straightforward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was far from straightforward" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation or task that is complex or difficult, rather than simple or easy. For example: "The process of obtaining the necessary permits was far from straightforward." Alternative expressions include "was quite complicated" and "was not easy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

But the position was far from straightforward.

The Guardian - Sport

The rest was far from straightforward.

The Guardian - Music

Keynes pointed out that the link between savings and investment was far from straightforward.

The New Yorker

But despite this guidance, the task of locating bodies was far from straightforward, as the locations were originally chosen for their remoteness to minimise discovery of the graves.

The Guardian

In 1848, that year of political upheaval throughout Europe, he had manned the anti-government barricades in Berlin, but his relationship to liberal politics, like everything else about him, was far from straightforward.

The New Yorker

However, the second was far from straightforward as Misbah-ul-Haq, Pakistan's captain, was sent on his way for three when Cook successfully reviewed an appeal for caught behind.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

That is far from straightforward.

The New York Times

Yet assessing teachers is far from straightforward.

The Economist

Group D is far from straightforward.

The Guardian - Sport

Some price lists are far from straightforward.

The Guardian - Money

The stumpings were far from straightforward.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "complicated", "intricate", or "complex" for variety and to avoid repetition, especially in longer texts.

Common error

Avoid using "was far from straightforward" as a vague statement. Always provide sufficient context to explain why the situation or task was complex, preventing ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was far from straightforward" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its characteristic. Based on Ludwig's examples, this phrase is generally used to highlight the complexity, intricacy, or difficulty associated with a particular situation, task, or process.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

23%

Sport

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was far from straightforward" serves as a crucial indicator of complexity in various contexts. As Ludwig highlights, it's grammatically sound and finds frequent use in reputable sources across news, science, and sports domains. While interchangeable with alternatives like "was quite complicated" or "presented challenges", "was far from straightforward" carries a distinctive emphasis on unexpected intricacy. Remember to provide clear context to amplify its impact and avoid ambiguity. This phrase is generally considered to have a neutral register. In summary, "was far from straightforward" is a versatile and valuable tool for conveying that a situation demanded more than just simple solutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was quite complicated

This alternative replaces the original phrase with a direct synonym emphasizing intricacy.

was not at all simple

This option uses negation to highlight the absence of simplicity, providing a clear contrast.

presented considerable challenges

This phrase focuses on the difficulties encountered, shifting the emphasis to the obstacles involved.

involved numerous complexities

This choice underscores the presence of multiple complex elements.

was a tangled web

This metaphor illustrates the confusing and interconnected nature of the situation.

was anything but easy

Similar to "was not at all simple", this emphasizes the lack of ease.

required careful navigation

This suggests the need for cautious and skillful handling due to potential pitfalls.

demanded intricate planning

This highlights the necessity of detailed and complex planning to succeed.

posed a significant puzzle

This implies that the situation was like a difficult puzzle needing careful thought to solve.

was fraught with difficulties

This indicates that the situation was filled with many problems and challenges.

FAQs

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

Use "was far from straightforward" to describe a situation, process, or task that is more complex or difficult than initially expected. For example, "Negotiating the contract "was far from straightforward" due to several unexpected clauses".

What are some alternatives to "was far from straightforward"?

You can use alternatives such as "was quite complicated", "was not simple", or "presented challenges" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "was not straightforward" or "was far from straightforward"?

"Was far from straightforward" adds more emphasis to the complexity compared to "was not straightforward". The choice depends on how much you want to stress the difficulty or intricacy of the subject.

Can "was far from straightforward" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "was far from straightforward" is suitable for formal writing. However, consider the specific audience and context; in some cases, more precise or technical language might be preferable to enhance clarity and avoid potential ambiguity.