easier

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "easier" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that can be done with less effort or difficulty than another activity or task. For example, "Working from home is much easier than commuting to the office every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that is easier said than done.

The New York Times

Cameron will also set out plans to restrict foreigners from access to social housing if they have not been resident in the UK for five years, plans widely trailed over the weekend, as well as making it easier for the NHS to claim back the costs of treating people from overseas.

The Guardian

There are promises on tax avoidance and evasion, something promised by successive governments which is often easier to announce than to achieve.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hollywood also found it easier to tackle these issues through the prism of the musical, as in 1957's The Pajama Game, where Doris Day and her factory superintendent resolve their industrial dispute by falling in love.

The Guardian - Film

Gathering artists for the 40th Glastonbury had been easier than usual, said Eavis, admitting that the act he was most "wobbly-kneed" about was Willie Nelson.

The Guardian - Music

My take on possibly the easiest mixed drink ever invented (after the gin tonic, of course), the Spanish tinto de verano, a simpler, less alcoholic version of sangria that is easier to make, and less alcoholic, so it's perfect that's perfect for a long afternoon in the garden.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We practised controlling the kite on land and at sea – easier said than done with a three-metre-wide inflatable kite in a brisk wind.

The Guardian - Travel

He adds: "It would have been easier to pick someone really respected like Charlotte Gainsbourg … but this was more of a challenge, taking a band people were chucking bottles of piss at".

The Guardian - Music

You can learn to prune apples from a book, but it's easier and more fun to learn from a person.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I think it'll be easier for me to pick up career-wise and easier personally," said Tanner.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Anonymity may prove easier in London than Liverpool but that is not an explanation Suárez offers for the contradiction.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two options, clearly specify what you are comparing to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "It's easier", say "It's easier to do X than Y".

Common error

Avoid using "easier" without providing a clear reference point. Saying something is "easier" without specifying what it is easier than can confuse the reader. Always provide a point of comparison.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "easier" is to serve as a comparative adjective. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it modifies a noun by indicating a lesser degree of difficulty relative to something else. It is typically used to make direct comparisons between two options or activities, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

20%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "easier" is a comparative adjective used to indicate a lesser degree of difficulty. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and very common in everyday language. It functions primarily to make comparisons between two options, highlighting the more convenient or efficient choice. While its register is generally neutral to informal, it is important to provide context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "less challenging" or "more straightforward" can be used in more formal settings. Remember to avoid the incorrect form "more easier". Using "easier" effectively involves clear comparisons and contextual awareness, making your writing more precise and understandable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less challenging

Focuses on the reduction in difficulty rather than direct ease.

more straightforward

Highlights the directness and simplicity of a task.

less complicated

Emphasizes a reduction in complexity.

more manageable

Focuses on the ease of handling or dealing with something.

simpler to execute

Highlights the simplicity in carrying out a task.

more readily achieved

Focuses on the increased attainability of a goal.

less demanding

Emphasizes the reduced effort required.

more user-friendly

Highlights the accessibility and ease of use, particularly for tools or interfaces.

more accessible

Focuses on the increased availability and ease of reaching something.

more comfortable

Focuses on the reduced difficulty or stress in undertaking the task.

FAQs

How can I use "easier" in a sentence?

You can use "easier" to compare the relative difficulty of two tasks or options. For example, "It's "easier to learn Spanish" than Mandarin".

What's a more formal synonym for "easier"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "less challenging", "more straightforward", or "less complicated" instead of "easier".

Is it correct to say "more easier"?

No, it is incorrect. "Easier" is already a comparative form, so you should not use "more" with it. The correct form is simply "easier".

What is the difference between "easier" and "simple"?

"Simple" describes something that is inherently not complex, while "easier" implies a comparison, suggesting that something is less difficult than something else. For example, a task can be simple, making it "easier to complete".