what was simple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what was simple" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that was easy or straightforward in the past. Example: "In retrospect, what was simple seemed complicated at the time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

What was simple had become complicated.

The Guardian - Books

In other words, we've taken what was simple, made it very complicated, and found ourselves looking for the simple again in order to achieve deeper understanding.

Huffington Post

They are amazing and make life faster and more assessable but as many have found in recent years, it can be a failed attempt at what was simple and really worked for some!

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It finds beauty and harmony in what is simple, imperfect, natural, modest and mysterious...

The New York Times - Books

There are 49 pages of endnotes and compulsive footnotes at every turn ("What is fetish, what is stylization, and what is simple specificity?").

The New York Times - Books

They are all different and what is simple and comfortable for one person might be difficult for the next.

The Guardian

What is simple: Shifts in housing prices, inflation and employment are altering America's cities.

Forbes

To that end, it's important to do what's simple: Keep an eye on your junk.

TechCrunch

What is simple is sustainable.

Huffington Post

Hamilton's portraits harken back to the irreplaceable value of what is simple and handmade.

Huffington Post

What is simple to spot by eye is much harder to achieve computationally.

Biochemical Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what was simple" to emphasize a contrast between a past, less complex state and a present, more complicated one. This can add depth to your writing by highlighting change over time.

Common error

Avoid using "what was simple" to describe future situations. This phrase refers to past conditions, so using it for future scenarios is grammatically incorrect and confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what was simple" functions as a relative clause, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a state or condition that existed in the past. As confirmed by Ludwig, the expression is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what was simple" is a grammatically sound and frequently used relative clause that serves to highlight the contrast between a prior state of uncomplicated ease and a current, more complex reality. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is appropriate for various contexts, although it's most commonly found in news and media. The key is to use it accurately when discussing past situations and avoid applying it to future scenarios. It allows writers to effectively illustrate change over time, emphasize lost ease, and add depth to their narratives. It's always a good idea to avoid the typical mistakes associated and remember that "what was simple" refers to past situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what used to be easy

Focuses on the change from easy to something else.

what had been uncomplicated

Emphasizes a prior state of being free from complexity.

what once seemed straightforward

Highlights a past perception of directness.

what formerly appeared basic

Stresses a previous, fundamental quality.

the simplicity that existed before

Directly refers to a prior state of simplicity.

the ease that preceded this

Highlights the contrast between past ease and the current situation.

the uncomplicated nature of the past

Focuses on the lack of difficulty in a past period.

what was formerly undemanding

Emphasizes the lack of difficulty or effort required in the past.

the previous absence of complexity

Directly points to a prior lack of intricacy.

what had been elementary

Highlights a past state of being easy to understand or deal with.

FAQs

How can I use "what was simple" in a sentence?

Use "what was simple" to refer to something that used to be easy or straightforward but is no longer so. For example, "In retrospect, "what was simple" seemed complicated at the time."

What's a good alternative to "what was simple"?

Alternatives include "what used to be easy", "what had been uncomplicated", or "what once seemed straightforward", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "what was simple" grammatically correct?

Yes, "what was simple" is grammatically correct. It functions as a relative clause, referring to a past state of simplicity.

Can "what was simple" be used to describe a future scenario?

No, "what was simple" should not be used to describe a future scenario. It refers to a past condition, so using it for future situations would be grammatically incorrect.