was kept simple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was kept simple" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that was intentionally made uncomplicated or straightforward, often in the context of design, communication, or processes. Example: "The presentation was kept simple to ensure that everyone could easily understand the main points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Growing up was kept simple.

The New York Times - Sports

The player is embedded into AARP's site, and its design was kept simple for ease of navigation, with buttons only for playing and pausing a song, and skipping ahead to the next one.

The New York Times

The rest of the face was kept simple without mascara, only Nars Undressed Multiple spread over the cheekbones, temple, even eyelids, all in an effort to channel a modern Audrey Hepburn.

The New York Times

As suggested by TAP Maintenance & Engineering, this formula was kept simple and easy to understand.

Mathematics-in-Industry Case Studies

Her makeup was kept simple.

Los Angeles Times

The app was kept simple with minimal sounds or animations to increase engagement and avoid distraction and the math content was presented in engaging stories to keep it meaningful to children.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

To keep production costs down, the CD ROM formats are kept simple and elegant.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

You no longer need to select a database and search queries can be kept simple.

Cornell University

Dances will be kept simple, and some are done in circles, with or without partners.

The New York Times - Arts

The combination of elements worked best when things were kept simple.

The New York Times - Arts

Because it's kept simple, most users figure out Twitter quickly.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or design, use "was kept simple" to emphasize clarity and ease of understanding for the target audience. This highlights a focus on essential elements without unnecessary complexity.

Common error

While "was kept simple" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make writing sound vague. Consider active voice alternatives like "we simplified it" for a more direct and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was kept simple" primarily functions as a passive construction, describing an action taken to maintain simplicity. Ludwig AI provides examples demonstrating its use in various contexts, from design to analysis, to emphasize clarity and ease of understanding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

50%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was kept simple" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that indicates a conscious effort to maintain simplicity. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, with a neutral to informal register. While effective in conveying clarity, writers should be mindful of overusing the passive voice. Alternative phrases like "was simplified" or "was made easy" can offer nuanced variations. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "was kept simple" to communicate ease of understanding and manageability in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was simplified

Focuses on the action of making something less complex.

was straightforward

Implies directness and lack of ambiguity.

was made easy

Emphasizes the resulting ease of use or understanding.

was streamlined

Suggests efficiency and removal of unnecessary steps.

was uncluttered

Highlights the removal of excess elements to improve clarity.

was user-friendly

Highlights the ease of use from the user's perspective.

was minimally designed

Focuses on the design aspect, suggesting a deliberate effort to keep things basic.

was basic

Indicates a fundamental or elementary level of complexity.

was condensed

Focuses on reducing the amount of information or content.

was down-to-earth

Suggests practicality and accessibility.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was kept simple" to sound more active?

You can use active voice constructions like "we simplified it", "they made it easy", or "the design focused on simplicity" to make your writing more direct and engaging.

What's a formal alternative to "was kept simple"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "was streamlined", "was optimized for simplicity", or "was designed for ease of use". These options convey a professional approach to clarity.

Is "was kept simple" suitable for technical writing?

Yes, "was kept simple" is suitable for technical writing when explaining design choices or processes. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and level of formality required by the documentation.

How does "was kept simple" differ from "was made easy"?

While both phrases convey a lack of complexity, "was kept simple" emphasizes the design or process itself, while "was made easy" focuses on the resulting ease of use or understanding for the end-user. Depending on context alternatives such as "was simplified" or "was streamlined" could also be correct.