1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $2 + x + 1$. 2. **Combine like terms:** The terms $2$ and $1$ are constants and can be added together. 3. **Perform the addition:** $$2 + 1 = 3$$ 4. **Rewrite the expression:** $$3 + x$$ 5. **Final answer:** The simplified expression is $3 + x$.