an easy life

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an easy life" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a life that is simple, without significant challenges or difficulties. Example: "After years of hard work, she finally achieved her dream of living an easy life in the countryside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's an easy life.

Independent

Hadn't had an easy life.

The New Yorker

It wasn't an easy life.

The New Yorker

It is not an easy life.

The New York Times

For an easy life, they ignore.

Independent

For an easy life, give it up.

Independent

They never wanted an easy life.

The New Yorker

He'll do anything for an easy life.

The New Yorker

His mother didn't have an easy life.

The New Yorker

"It was certainly an easy life.

The Guardian

But it is not an easy life.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's aspirations, use "an easy life" to convey their desire for a comfortable and uncomplicated existence. For instance, "He dreamed of retiring early and living an easy life."

Common error

While "an easy life" is widely understood, overuse in academic papers or formal reports may diminish the impact. Opt for more nuanced phrases like "a life of manageable responsibilities" or "a comfortably sustainable lifestyle" to maintain professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "an easy life" is as a noun phrase, where "easy" modifies the noun "life". It typically acts as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an easy life" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to depict a life free from significant hardships, according to Ludwig. It is primarily used in news and media, yet its straightforward nature means it's seldom found in academic writings. Alternative phrases like ""a comfortable existence"" or ""a simple life"" can offer more nuance depending on the context. The phrase functions as a noun phrase expressing a longing, aspiration or description and it's important to use the article "an" before "easy" for grammatical correctness. Understanding the appropriate contexts and available alternatives ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a life of comfort and ease

Expands the original phrase by explicitly stating both "comfort" and "ease" for emphasis.

a comfortable existence

Replaces "life" with "existence" focusing on the state of being comfortable and secure.

a simple life

Emphasizes the lack of complexity and complications, focusing on minimalism and ease.

a life of leisure

Highlights the absence of work or obligations, emphasizing relaxation and enjoyment.

a carefree existence

Focuses on the absence of worries and responsibilities, suggesting a lighthearted approach to life.

a tranquil life

Highlights the peace and quiet, removing focus from overt ease and more on serenity.

a life without hardship

Directly negates the presence of difficulties and struggles, emphasizing a smooth path.

a smooth journey

Uses "journey" as a metaphor for life, highlighting the lack of obstacles and challenges.

a privileged existence

Suggests advantages and benefits that contribute to an easier experience.

a cushy life

Uses "cushy" to imply luxury and effortless comfort, which is less formal.

FAQs

How can I use "an easy life" in a sentence?

You can use "an easy life" to describe a life free of significant challenges. For example, "She always wished for "an easy life", away from the hustle and bustle of the city."

What are some alternatives to "an easy life"?

Alternatives to "an easy life" include phrases like "a simple life", "a comfortable existence", or "a life of leisure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a easy life" instead of "an easy life"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. The indefinite article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound, so the correct phrase is ""an easy life"".

What's the difference between "a simple life" and "an easy life"?

While both suggest a lack of complexity, ""a simple life"" emphasizes minimalism and lack of extravagance, whereas ""an easy life"" focuses on the absence of hardship or difficulty. One can have a simple life that isn't necessarily easy, and vice versa.