are not so difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not so difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is not as challenging as it may seem or has been perceived. Example: "Many people think that advanced mathematics is intimidating, but in reality, they are not so difficult once you understand the concepts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The solution to each puzzle isn't immediately obvious, but they are not so difficult that the player will become frustrated.

The Guardian - Tech

And lingonberry preserves are not so difficult to find, which is one reason why we leaned toward them with this recipe.

The New York Times

Handstands, though, are not so difficult for this crowd: they're all students in a contortion class taught by Jonathan Nosan, and for most of them basic acrobatic moves are child's play.

The New York Times - Health

For musical theater newcomers, jobs are not so difficult to find -- essential skills like tap dancing and belting out a song can be studied individually; and youthfulness in looks and even in voice is too precious to waste.

The New York Times

Autonomous agents are not so difficult to construct.

Journal of Applied Logic

The readers will realize that the settings of u and w are not so difficult for satisfying (6) and (27).

Pacific Journal of Mathematics for Industry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Stick to regular nail polish, or gel polish copycats that aren't so difficult to remove.

WikiHow

"Roma are satisfied because the schools aren't so difficult.

The New York Times

Crisp crusts, it turns out, aren't so difficult: most places I visited had mastered that much.

The New York Times - Food

It is not so difficult".

Independent

This was not so difficult to understand.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are not so difficult" to reassure your audience that a task or concept is manageable, especially when addressing potential concerns about complexity.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where the subject performing the action is unclear. While "are not so difficult" itself isn't passive, overuse can lead to convoluted sentences. Ensure the sentence clearly indicates what "are not so difficult".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not so difficult" primarily functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes the characteristic of a subject, indicating that something possesses a quality of being relatively easy or manageable. Ludwig AI confirms this based on the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not so difficult" is a predicate adjective phrase used to describe something as being relatively easy or manageable. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and serves to reassure and encourage by reducing perceived complexity. It appears most frequently in news and media, with a neutral register, making it widely applicable but potentially less suitable for formal academic writing. For more formal situations, consider alternatives such as "are not particularly challenging" or "are relatively straightforward". Remember to avoid overuse of passive voice to maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not particularly challenging

Emphasizes a lack of significant challenge.

are not overly complicated

Focuses on the simplicity and straightforwardness of the subject.

are relatively straightforward

Highlights the uncomplicated nature of something.

are not terribly demanding

Indicates a low level of required effort or skill.

are manageable

Implies that something is within one's ability to handle.

are not that hard

A more informal way of expressing that something is not too difficult.

are quite accessible

Suggests that something is easy to obtain or understand.

are within reach

Indicates that something is achievable or attainable.

are not too taxing

Focuses on the lack of strain or burden involved.

are rather simple

Highlights the basic and uncomplicated nature of something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are not so difficult" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "are not particularly challenging" or "are relatively straightforward".

What are some common situations where "are not so difficult" is used?

This phrase is often used when introducing a new skill, explaining a complex concept, or reassuring someone about the ease of a task. It aims to reduce perceived difficulty and encourage engagement.

Is there a difference between saying "are not so difficult" and "are easy"?

"Are easy" implies a very low level of effort, while "are not so difficult" suggests a moderate level of challenge that is still manageable. The latter can be more encouraging as it acknowledges some effort while still being reassuring.

What can I say instead of "are not so difficult" when something is surprisingly easy?

If something is easier than expected, try phrases like "are surprisingly simple" or "are deceptively easy" to convey the unexpected simplicity.