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The task would be as straightforward if you used the Arabic numerals rather than the Roman numerals.

Here, what does it mean by as straightforward? I think it should be replaced with very I mean instead of as. Otherwise is there any usage about as?

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  • "As" implies that there is some kind of comparison. "I find Roman numerals difficult and I was thinking about using the Mayan numbering system to add this column of numbers. What do you think?" "The task would be as straightforward if you used the Arabic numerals rather than the Roman numerals."
    – mkeith
    Sep 18, 2022 at 3:41
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    The rest of the preceding context would help. Can you use the "Edit" button to add a paragraph or two of what came before this? That should make it clear either want the intent is, or that it's a mistake.
    – gotube ♦
    Sep 18, 2022 at 4:00
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    It means "The task would be equally straightforward if you used...". "It would be just as uncomplicated if..." "It would be equally clear if..."
    – Old Brixtonian
    Sep 18, 2022 at 8:22
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    @OldBrixtonian Right now, the phrasing seems unnatural. Something about "rather than" keeps twigging something in my brain that says either I'm not listening to a native speaker, or there's something other than Arabic and Roman numerals being compared here. I'm pretty sure it's just unnatural language, but I'm not giving an answer until I'm sure. More context would likely cure my uncertainty
    – gotube ♦
    Sep 18, 2022 at 17:42
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    @gotube Yes, actually. Looking at it again it does seem somehow non-native, though I don't quite know why. I think I'd probably say, "The task would be just as straightforward if...", though I can't think why adding 'just' should make any difference. "if you were to use..." seems to help too.
    – Old Brixtonian
    Sep 20, 2022 at 3:06

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Straightforward means easy. Interpret the text as...

If you use Arabic numerals rather than Roman numerals, the task would [still] be [just] as easy.
(alternatively)
If you use Arabic numerals the task would be as easy as it is using Roman numerals.

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