was not complicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was not complicated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that was straightforward or easy to understand in the past. Example: "The process of setting up the software was not complicated, and I was able to complete it in under an hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

It was not complicated.

The New York Times

(pop. 34), a place where "life was not complicated by any possibility of getting rich".

The New York Times - Books

Granulomatous inflammation was less severe and was not complicated by necrosis or extensive fibrosis in animals receiving a single injection with BCG.

Vaccine

In his summation on Wednesday, Greg D. Andres, the lead prosecutor, told the jurors that the essence of the scheme was not complicated.

The New York Times

Myanmar has just two Internet service providers, and shutting them down was not complicated, said David Mathieson, an expert on Myanmar with Human Rights Watch.

The New York Times

It was not complicated work, he said: "You shake the bees into a box, load the truck and off you go". So he decided to start a side business where he would gather the swarm, pocket the $40 and keep the bees.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"It wasn't complicated.

The New York Times

It wasn't complicated, he said.

The New York Times - Sports

It wasn't complicated for me here.

Forbes

I wasn't complicated.

Vice

This is not complicated".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was not complicated" to clearly and concisely convey that a process, explanation, or situation lacked complexity. This phrase is suitable for a wide range of contexts, from describing technical procedures to summarizing events.

Common error

Avoid using "was not complicated" in conjunction with other negative constructions, as this can create confusion. For example, instead of saying "it wasn't that it was not complicated", opt for a simpler phrasing like "it was quite simple".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not complicated" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating a lack of complexity or difficulty. It serves to simplify the understanding of a process, situation, or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was not complicated" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to express the simplicity or straightforwardness of something. Ludwig AI provides ample examples across various sources, including news media and scientific publications, indicating its versatility. While various alternatives exist, such as "was simple" or "was straightforward", the choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality. Remember to avoid double negatives to maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was straightforward

Replaces "complicated" with "straightforward", emphasizing directness and simplicity.

was simple

Uses the word "simple" to convey a lack of complexity.

was uncomplicated

A direct synonym, replacing "complicated" with its antonym.

was easy

Indicates a lack of difficulty, focusing on the ease of understanding or execution.

wasn't complex

Uses "complex" as the opposite of simple, maintaining a similar level of formality.

didn't involve intricacies

Highlights the absence of complex details or procedures.

was rudimentary

Implies a basic, fundamental nature, suggesting a lack of advanced features.

wasn't sophisticated

Suggests a lack of refinement or advanced design.

was a breeze

An informal idiom indicating ease and simplicity.

didn't have many steps

Focuses on the reduced number of actions required, implying simplicity.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was not complicated" for variety?

You can use alternatives like "was straightforward", "was simple", or "was easy" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "was not complicated" in formal writing?

Yes, "was not complicated" is suitable for formal writing, though alternatives like "was uncomplicated" might be preferred in some contexts for a slightly more elevated tone.

What does "was not complicated" imply about the subject being described?

It implies that the subject lacked complex features, steps, or explanations, making it easy to understand or execute. It can also suggest a basic or rudimentary nature.

Can "was not complicated" be used to describe a person?

While less common, "was not complicated" can describe a person's character or approach, implying they are straightforward and easy to understand. However, consider if alternatives like "was simple" or "was straightforward" might be more appropriate.