simple to + verb
Describing an easy action
This is a very common structure.
The form is simple to complete.
Prepositions after simple
Simple commonly appears with to and for. Other prepositions usually belong to a wider phrase rather than forming a fixed combination.
Quick answer
How is simple used with prepositions?
Use simple to before a verb and simple for before a person or purpose. Simple as appears in comparisons. Of and in are less fixed and depend on the sentence.
The app is simple to use.
The instructions are simple for beginners.
The instructions are simple for beginners.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
simple for + person
Easy for someone
For introduces the person affected.
The guide is simple for children to follow.
simple as + comparison
Using comparisons
As can appear in structures such as as simple as possible.
Keep the design simple as possible.
simple in + aspect
Simple in design or structure
In introduces the area being described.
The machine is simple in concept.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
simple to
The software is simple to install.
Easy to do or use.
simple for
The task is simple for experts.
Easy for a particular group.
simple as
Try to keep it as simple as possible.
Part of a comparison structure.
simple of
It was simple of him to agree.
Nonstandard; use sensible or easy, or restructure the sentence.
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using simple of
Simple of is not a standard pattern after simple.
✕ It was simple of her to fix it. ✓ It was simple for her to fix it.Forgetting the infinitive after simple to
Simple to is usually followed by a verb.
✕ The system is simple to the users. ✓ The system is simple for the users.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. This recipe is simple ___ make.
2. The controls are simple ___ new users.
3. We want a layout as simple ___ possible.
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Frequently asked questions
Can simple be followed by a verb?
Yes. Simple to do something is very common.
Is simple of correct?
No. It is generally nonstandard in current English.
What does simple in mean?
It describes the area or quality that is uncomplicated, such as simple in design.
Related preposition guides
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