Not easy to understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Not easy to understand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is complex or difficult to comprehend. Example: "The instructions for the new software were not easy to understand, leading to confusion among the users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It seems complicated and not easy to understand.

The New Yorker

The iconography is complicated and not easy to understand.

The Guardian - Travel

It's not easy to understand what will happen.

The Guardian - Film

"but it's not easy to understand, so many commentators haven't been focusing on it".

The New York Times

It's not easy to understand someone who claims to feel no sexual attraction towards other people.

Independent

Even if you can get the information, it's not easy to understand.

The New York Times

But we're not easy to understand and it's not because we're trans – it's because we're people.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

However, Rustin continued, "the evils in the North are not easy to understand and fight against".

The New York Times - Books

The codes are not easy to understand but, if tax has been underpaid, this should be stated clearly.

Independent

Bomb: Third Drawer Down Linen Tea Towels, $42 Each "These are beautifully designed, but not easy to understand.

The New York Times

A French diplomatic source said on Wednesday the British government's position on Brexit was "not easy to understand".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not easy to understand", consider your audience and provide context or simplification where possible. Break down complex ideas into smaller, digestible parts to aid comprehension.

Common error

Avoid simply stating something is "not easy to understand" without explaining why. Provide specific examples of the complexities or potential points of confusion to make your communication more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not easy to understand" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a quality of being difficult to comprehend. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a common way to express that something requires effort to understand.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not easy to understand" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is complex or difficult to comprehend. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness in various contexts. While it appears frequently in news, media, and scientific writing, it's crucial to provide context and explanation to aid the audience's understanding. Consider alternatives like "hard to comprehend" or "difficult to grasp" to add variety to your writing. Remember to avoid simply stating that something is "not easy to understand" without providing further clarification or examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to comprehend

Focuses on the mental effort required to grasp something.

difficult to grasp

Highlights the challenge in seizing or understanding an idea.

not readily apparent

Emphasizes that something is not immediately obvious or clear.

challenging to fathom

Suggests a significant mental effort is needed to understand.

beyond my comprehension

Indicates a personal limitation in understanding something.

unclear

A simpler, more direct way of saying something isn't understandable.

opaque

Implies a lack of transparency or clarity, making understanding difficult.

inscrutable

Suggests that something is impossible to understand or interpret.

confusing

Describes something that causes bewilderment or a lack of clarity.

enigmatic

Implies a mysterious or puzzling quality that hinders understanding.

FAQs

How can I make something that's "not easy to understand" more accessible?

Break down complex information into smaller, more manageable chunks. Use clear and concise language, avoid jargon, and provide real-world examples to illustrate your points. Visual aids can also be very effective.

What are some alternatives to saying "not easy to understand"?

You can use alternatives like "hard to comprehend", "difficult to grasp", or "unclear", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "not easy to understand" or "difficult to understand"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations. "Difficult to understand" might sound slightly more formal.

When should I use "not easy to understand" in my writing?

Use "not easy to understand" when you want to acknowledge that a topic or concept is complex or may require some effort to comprehend. Be sure to provide enough context or explanation to help your audience understand the key points.