an easy sum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an easy sum" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a mathematical problem or calculation that is simple to solve. Example: "The teacher asked the students to solve an easy sum to warm up before the main exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"That's not to say every street-food restaurant makes money – because it doesn't – but if you have the right sort of product and you have the right pitch fees, then it's an easy sum to make".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

That is a pretty easy sum to calculate when it comes to manufacturing.

The Economist

His father, by contrast, seems unstowable: there is to be no tidying away or easy summing up.

The Guardian - Books

Set up easy sums or whatever subject you're doing.

WikiHow

But as this comedy stretches toward an hour and a half, the only thing that the title invites is an easy attempt to sum up the show.

The New York Times

It's an easy way to sum up what you do, organize around a singular idea, and keep everyone focused around the topic.

WikiHow

Google provides an easy way for the company to cash in a significant sum of money every year.

TechCrunch

In order to prove this fact, consider the diagram in Figure 13, and then the generic connected sum is an easier generalization of this one.

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics

For someone whose face has been relatively well known for more than a decade, it's not easy to sum up quite what Myleene Klass does – as her own promotional biography acknowledges.

The Guardian

Surveys and anecdotal evidence paint a mixed picture of millennial spending habits, and of course it is never easy to sum up an entire generation with one clump of numbers.

The Guardian

It's not easy to sum up such an extraordinary set of wines.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an easy sum" to describe mathematical problems that are simple and quick to solve, suitable for introductory exercises or quick estimations.

Common error

Avoid using "an easy sum" in contexts that require more sophisticated mathematical language. For advanced discussions, use terms like "basic calculation" or "elementary equation" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an easy sum" functions as a noun phrase, where "easy" modifies the noun "sum". Ludwig AI confirms that it's a usable phrase, usually referring to a straightforward mathematical problem.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an easy sum" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to describe a simple mathematical problem or calculation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While its usage spans across different contexts like news, wikis, and science, it is most appropriate in educational settings or informal discussions. For formal or technical contexts, alternatives such as "simple calculation" or "basic arithmetic problem" might be more suitable. Though not overly frequent, the phrase is recognized and can be effectively used to convey simplicity in mathematical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a simple calculation

Replaces "easy sum" with "simple calculation", focusing on the uncomplicated nature of the computation.

a straightforward problem

Substitutes "sum" with "problem" and "easy" with "straightforward", highlighting the uncomplicated nature of the task.

a basic arithmetic problem

Specifies "arithmetic" to clarify the type of problem, emphasizing its fundamental nature.

a readily solvable equation

Uses "equation" instead of "sum", implying a mathematical statement that can be solved quickly.

an elementary calculation

Replaces "easy" with "elementary", emphasizing the fundamental or introductory level of the calculation.

a trouble-free computation

Replaces "easy sum" with a descriptive phrase emphasizing the absence of difficulty in the computation.

an uncomplicated mathematical task

Replaces "sum" with "mathematical task", emphasizing the broader scope of the problem, while still being uncomplicated.

a painless calculation

Replaces "easy sum" with "painless calculation", implying an effortless solving approach.

a facile computation

Uses the word "facile" which means easily achieved or effortless, denoting a straightforward calculation.

a cinch calculation

Replaces "easy sum" with "cinch calculation", implying a simple, effortless and sure solving.

FAQs

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

You can use "an easy sum" to refer to a straightforward calculation or mathematical problem. For example: "The teacher gave the students "an easy sum" to start the lesson."

What are some alternatives to saying "an easy sum"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a simple calculation", "a straightforward problem", or "a basic arithmetic problem", depending on the specific context.

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

No, it is grammatically incorrect. The article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound, such as "easy". The correct phrasing is ""an easy sum"".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "an easy sum"?

The phrase ""an easy sum"" is best used in informal or educational contexts when discussing basic mathematical problems that are not complex or challenging.