What is the difference between simple is best and simple is the best?

18 Answers

simple is best vs simple is the best


Definition

Simple is best/simple is the best- means that it is better to keep something simple, rather than complicated.


Alternative or more common phrase - “keep it simple.”

Differences

Simple is best

  • Warmer and implies that the receiver is being edified.

  • Used in a more feminine, nurturing and cunning way.

  • These types of phrases don’t necessarily follow grammatical rules.

    Similar idiomatic phrases include “mother knows best.” Here, “mother knows the best” sounds wrong to native English speakers.


Simple is the best

  • Stated in a way that makes it sound more like it's an objective fact.

  • Used in a more masculine, cold, challenging, confrontational way.

Examples

  • I want a simple lifestyle. Simple is best.

  • When you start out cooking, you might get overwhelmed by a recipe book. Simple is best.


  • Don’t overcomplicate your business procedures if you are a one-man show. Simple is the best!

Conclusion

Two of these phrases may make a difference in certain situations, or used to emphasize what you are stating more into a fact rather than your opinion.

But It is still acceptable to say either “simple is best” or “simple is the best.” Since they both logically mean the same as well.

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Let's start off with ........ both are correct. There are no incorrect answers here, so don't worry about choosing either but of course context matters!

Idiomatic speech is so nuanced that using it correctly often implies feeling your way through what you are trying to express. This is the approach necessary for choosing between “simple is best,” and “simple is the best.”

When to use it?

"Simple is best" is a bit warmer and implies that the receiver is being edified. "Simple is the best" is stated in a way that makes it sound more like it's an objective fact or something.


"Simple is the best" implies that simple is a noun. The meaning of simple as a noun is something simple, unmixed or compounded, a simple thing or worse, an ignorant, foolish or gullible person, a commoner, a "simple".



Examples:

When it comes to decorating for winter, I’ve always found that simple is best.

My wife went shopping for clothes for our children and remembered her mother’s sage advice. Simple is best.


When it comes to computer choices for art students, simple is the best.


Although you could spend hundreds of dollars on your holiday decorations, it has been demonstrated by our homeowner's association this year that simple is the best.



Which one?


"Simple is best" implies that "simple" is an adjective, like "best." This is by far the more elegant way of expressing the concept because both sides of the "is" are the same parts of speech and express clearly the sense of Occam's Razor within this sentence.

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Simple is best or Simple is the best....


Both are perfectly fine. One uses best as an adjective and one uses best as a noun.



Noun: ' Simple is the best'

example - This is the best car in this town.



It is “simple is best”
Because best is an adjective and they can’t take articles by themselves. If there is a noun afterwards you need to use articles
Example:
“This is the best car in this town.”


Hope that was helpful. until next time :)



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xvsfmd.png?1605153706
02/05/2022

Both “simple is best” and “simple is the best” is correct. “Simple is best” is more common when you a describing a situation where the simple option is preferred.


Idiomatic speech is so nuanced that using it correctly often implies feeling your way through what you are trying to express. This is the approach necessary for choosing between “simple is best,” and “simple is the best.”




When it comes to decorating for winter, I’ve always found that simple is best.


When it comes to computer choices for art students, simple is the best.

Nuance does not always play a part in determining the utility of language. Sometimes it is as easy as choosing the word that communicates more directly everything that a person is trying to say.

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Best and the Best? Are there any differences? Let's find out!


Best VS The Best: Which is Which?

When we say "Simple is Best", this indicates a general idea or opinion.The speaker isn't comparing it to other things and is not referring to a specific thing.However, when we say, "Simple is the Best". This indicates the superlative degree of adjective. This means that it is being compared to more than two things and the speaker wants to emphasize a specific thing, which is simple as the best among all things.


Simple is Best.

Ex: I like your room. It's simple. Simple is best.


Simple is the Best

Ex:

A: Which do you think is the best present? This polka dot tie, this one in stripes or the plain one?

B: Simple is the best. You should pick the plain one.



Best and The Best: It depends!

In other words, the sentence with the article "the" means a specific thing compared to a lot of things.

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Both “simple is best” and “simple is the best” are correct. “Simple is best” is more common when you a describing a situation where the simple option is preferred. 

Idiomatic speech is so nuanced that using it correctly often implies feeling your way through what you are trying to express.


When using the phrase “simple is best,” it is often with a pragmatic wink to the idea that the speaker is using a determining factor that is both known to the listener as well as an ethic that both will share for simpler lives.



When it comes to decorating for winter, I’ve always found that simple is best.

My wife went shopping for clothes for our children and remembered her mother’s sage advice. Simple is best.

After all of the Christmas presents for our dog, she only wanted to play with the box and the wrapping. I guess what they say is true about dogs; simple is best.



When it comes to decorating for winter, I’ve always found that simple is best.

My wife went shopping for clothes for our children and remembered her mother’s sage advice. Simple is best.

After all of the Christmas presents for our dog, she only wanted to play with the box and the wrapping. I guess what they say is true about dogs; simple is best.



Nuance does not always play a part in determining utility for language. Sometimes it is as easy as choosing the word that communicates more directly everything that a person is trying to say.

Occasionally these nuances need to be practiced to be mastered. Make certain to not overthink it. As always, simple is the best.

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What is the difference between simple is best and simple is the best?


"Simple is the best" implies that simple is a noun. The meaning of simple as a noun is something simple, unmixed or compounded, a simple thing or worse, an ignorant, foolish or gullible person, a commoner, a "simple".


"Simple is best" implies that "simple" is an adjective, like "best." This is by far the more elegant way of expressing the concept.


Despite this possibility of confusion, the long and short of this phrase, is they're both the same in meaning, and they're both grammatical. "The" can make a difference in certain other situations, but not in this particular situation. Both of them are stating that the speaker supports simplicity.

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"Simple is best" and "Simple is the best"

Both “simple is best” and “simple is the best” are correct. “Simple is best” is more common when you a describing a situation where the simple option is preferred. Idiomatic speech is so nuanced that using it correctly often implies feeling your way through what you are trying to express.



What is the difference between "simple is best" and "simple is the best"?


Logically they are the same, but they have different psychological connotations. "Simple is best" is a bit warmer and implies that the receiver is being edified. "Simple is the best" is stated in a way that makes it sound more like it's an objective fact or something.

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The Same


Actually, there is (almost) no difference in meaning between the two phrases "simple is best" and "simple is the best".

The Optional Article

The article "the" is entirely optional here and makes almost no difference to the sense of the two phrases.


Grammatical Subtlety


Now, there is a small, subtle difference when we analyse the two phrases grammatically. "Best" and "the best" are both superlatives and therefore mean nearly the same thing.


But "the best" means 'the best out of all the possibilities'. It is a relative superlative.


Which shirt is the best? ( = one of a number of shirts)


On the other hand "best", without the article, simply means 'very, very good' or 'excellent'. You could call this an absolute superlative, because it is not related to any other existing possibilities but rather 'stands on its own'.


'Water is best.' ( = water is excellent; water is very, very good.)


But this is certainly a subtlety. Most native English speakers, in conversation, would not think that there is any difference between saying "simple is best" and "simple is the best". You can treat the two phrases as synonymous.

I would say that 'simple is best' sounds more natural to English ears, however, so I would use that in most situations. Adding the article (the best) can sound a bit pedantic.


'The simplest is the best' sounds good too, but again can sound a bit pedantic.

Examples

"Don't overcomplicate that picture you're drawing. Simple is best." (Here 'simple is best' works like a proverb; it is good for giving advice.)


"This band is great, even if their music is simple. Simple is the best!" (Here 'simple' is one of the options. Is simple or complicated the best option in music? "Simple is the best!")


We can also say:

"I like this shirt. The simple one is the best." (Here the speaker is selecting one of a number of options, and wants the choose the simplest one, so they say: "The simple one is the best." We could also say: "The simplest is the best". Here, simplest and best are both superlatives.)

Conclusion

While there is a tiny grammatical difference between the two phrases, in 99% of cases – that is, when speaking real, everyday English – there is no real difference between the two.


I would add that "simple is best" sounds a bit more natural to English ears, and that I would prefer that in most cases.

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"Simple is best"

I use it when I want to sound wise or generalise. I use it like a proverb. I am expressing a GENERAL IDEA/ BELIEF


EXAMPLE

"When teaching grammar rules, don't say too much, "simple is best". (it is ALWAYS better to give simple explanations)


"Simple is the best"


I say this when I am speaking about a specific situation, we both know what I am referring to.


EXAMPLE

If you want to impress the judges tomorrow, wear a black dress. Simple is THE best. (in your situation)


I do understand however, that it may not be so clear at first glance. I believe it is because all idioms are like habits- they grow on you.


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What is the difference between "simple is best" and "simple is the best"

I will answer this question:

Simple is best:

Simple is best means just what it says. If you have a choice to make, choosing the most simple answer is the best choice.

Simple is the best:

Simple is THE best is just a bit more emphatic. The article "the" added causes there to be no doubt that simple is the right choice.


EXAMPLES

"I can't decide which design to use on the new stage props."

"Well, you know what they say, 'simple is best'.


"Out of all of these choices, simple is the best choice."


Conclusion:

If you want your writing to be more emphatic, add the article "the" to the phrase and it will be "Simple is the best."

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They are almost the same but differ physiologically

The two sides

Simple is best is commonly used when you are trying to teach or educate someone about something and Simple is the best implies that you are trying to state a fact.


For example, if you are teaching someone how to cook a delicate peace of meat like a steak and they ask you what seasoning they should use, you would say ‘simple is best so stick with salt and pepper’.


It all depends on the perspective of the dialogue.

Spoken English and written English definition have major differences and this is a something that is difficult for people to understand

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Simple is Best or Simple is the Best? Which is correct?


Both “simple is best” and “simple is the best” are correct.

So when it comes to the phrase, should we say “simple is the best” or “simple is best?”

The short answer is that both of these phrases are okay to say, but it is more commonly said as “simple is best.”

While both of these phrases are correct, “simple is best” is probably the phrase you want to use.

When it comes to grammar, the idiom always prescribes the grammar; these types of phrases don’t necessarily follow grammatical rules.


Similar idiomatic phrases include “mother knows best.” Here, “mother knows the best” sounds wrong to native English speakers.




Example Sentences with “Simple is Best”

  • I want a simple lifestyle. Simple is best.

  • When you start out cooking, you might get overwhelmed by a recipe book. Simple is best.

  • Don’t overcomplicate your business procedures if you are a one-man show. Simple is best!


When it Might Be Appropriate to Say “Simple is The Best.”

For example, let’s say you wanted to play a video game and you had to choose the level of difficulty: easy or pro mode.

You decide that easy mode is the most simple. You could say here that “simple is the best” when you are referring to this particular option.



Conclusion:

While grammatically speaking, both phrases are correct, you might want to stick with “simple is best.” In idiomatic phrases such as this, what sounds right for native speakers will generally be the safest choice.

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ikltus.png?1612978436
19/04/2022

"simple is best" vs. "simple is the best"


"simple is best" vs. "simple is the best"

"Simple is best" is more common

“Simple is best” is when you describe a situation where the simple option is preferred. "Simple is the best" is stated in a way that makes it sound more like it's an objective fact or something.


Simple is best, I agree.

Simple is best, she said.

"Simple is the best" implies that simple is a noun. Whereas “Simple is best” means "being simple", simple is an adj.



“Simple is best” is when you describe a situation where the simple option is preferred. "Simple is the best" is stated in a way that makes it sound more like it's an objective fact or something.

More

Superlative


Why do we use 'the'

'The difference between simple is best and simple is the best ' is just using 'the'. We use ''the'' just for emphasize the adjective in Superlative Clause


We are the best !

You are the fastest.

It is the most expensive car.


If you don't use 'the', people will still understand you but If you use it,everything will be more understandable. Never forget that sometimes everybody makes mistakes while speaking but the fewer mistakes are better. It doesn't matter how many mistakes you did. Just speak bravely do your best. Break your fear after that you should try not to do any.

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Simple is Best.

The word best is an adjective, describing Simple. Simple is best meaning keeping things simple, its less confusing, keep it simple. Simple is better.

Simple is the best

Keeping situations simple.

Not complicating things, keeping it simple to understand and to do.

When i am shopping i buy the simple clothes for my kids.

I prefer simple decor in my house during Christmas.

I prefer simple cooking.


Simple is best and Simple is the best can mean differently to people, all depends how you looking at the phrase. It can be an opinion, or it can be a fact.

How you prefer to use these terms, its your choice.

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What is the difference between simple is best and simple is the best?

"Simple is best" is a bit warmer and implies that the receiver is being edified. "Simple is the best" is stated in a way that makes it sound more like it's an objective fact or something.



"Simple is best" is probably the phrase you want to use.

Compare to an adage like "mother knows best." The phrase is idiomatic - a token of speech that can't be divided - so "mother knows the best" sounds wrong.

It's harder to pin down the reason for this. In the first case, the phrase means that the simplest way is the best way. In the second case, your mother knows the best thing to do. These statements became shortened over time.

The meter of speech has a lot to do with the way idioms evolve. Words are dropped, and ungrammatical phrases may result. In this case, the idiom prescribes the grammar, not the other way around, so I don't think it's fruitful to speak of whether "best" is being used as an adjective or a noun.

Theodore Bernstein says in The Careful Writer: "A writer tampers with idiom at his own peril, and the peril is great. When he writes, 'At that time Sceptre was all except [two syllables] invisible in the haze,' he has flouted the idiom 'all but'."

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Connotation!


In English, we have very similar words and grammar structures with barely any difference. However, using a certain word or grammar structure carries a hidden, or second, meaning. We call this connotation!


To give an example;

  • We have little hope.

  • We have a little hope.


The sentence "We have little hope." carries a negative connotation. It implies that the hope is so little that there is almost none of it. However, "We have a little hope." carries a positive connotation. It implies that although there is a very little amount of hope, there is still some of it.


The structure "Simple is best" carries a warmer and more nurturing connotation, whereas "Simple is the best" carries a colder, more confrontational and more challenging connotation.

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