Is it a simple matter or a simplistic one?
(K.V. Jayanthi, Gulbarga)  Although the two words mean something quite different, there is a tendency among some people to use them interchangeably. It is, however, wrong to do so. A casual glance at the dictionary suggests that simple has several different meanings, and in most contexts, the use of the word suggests approval. When you say that someone has found a simple solution to a problem, what you are suggesting is that he has found a neat or an easy solution. It is a good solution because it is not at all complicated, and it is one that can be easily followed by others, if need be. You need to find a simple way of dealing with the problem. Its not always easy to come up with simple solutions. Simplistic, unlike simple, is normally used to suggest disapproval. When you say that someones solution to a problem is rather simplistic, what you are suggesting is that it is oversimplified. The individual has not factored in all the complexities of the problem  it could be because he hasnt really understood the problem or that he has deliberately chosen to ignore some of the important aspects. As a result, the solution he offers may be rather nave  one that is unlikely to solve the problem at hand. Most of us give simplistic solutions to the political problems in our country. Vinod has a very simplistic point of view about the current reservation policy. In the past, the word simple was used as a noun to refer to medicinal plants and herbs. A person who went about collecting such plants and herbs was called a simplist. The word seems to have taken on an additional meaning over the years. (K. Sameer, Pune)  During the various phases of our life, we wonder about many things. When we are in school, we wonder if we will do well in the coming exams. Once we graduate, we wonder if we will get a good job. Books on grammar and usage suggest that any sentence beginning with I wonder is a statement, and not a question  and being a statement, it should end with a full stop or a period, and not a question mark. The problem is, however, when you ask someone, I wonder if you could help me, you are in a roundabout or an indirect way asking him a question  as to whether he can help you or not. Such questions are called indirect questions, and they never end with a question mark. I wonder if I should have ice cream for dessert. I wonder if Sudesh will recognise me after all these years. Trespass here and find out. Anonymous  The writer taught at the English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. Email upendrankye@gmail.com