easier than usual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "easier than usual" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task or situation that is less difficult than what is typically expected. Example: "This math problem is easier than usual, so I finished it quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

And certainly easier than usual.

The Guardian - Opinion

For that reason, it was even easier than usual to park.

The New Yorker

The lady's husband is out of town, so it will probably be easier than usual.

The New Yorker

But the Cup has taken a turn for the civil since then, and it might be even easier than usual to keep this edition in perspective.

The New York Times - Sports

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

When American negotiators visited Beijing this fall to persuade the Chinese to curb their sales of missile parts, they found the going easier than usual.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

It's an even easier-than-usual call to make with this one.

Los Angeles Times

If it is your first time doing something bad enough to go to the principal, they will probably let you off with an easier punishment than usual.

WikiHow

Easier Than eBay.

Forbes

It is a lot easier than the usual tube or bottle!

WikiHow

This move is not recommended if you have bad bones in your knees, bad joints or any other conditions (e.g arthritis), you may do this if you want but take extra care and take it easier than the usual student.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "easier than usual", ensure the context clearly establishes what the 'usual' level of difficulty is for comparison. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "easier than usual" without providing specific details about the task or situation being compared. Vague statements can reduce the impact and credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "easier than usual" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or adjective. It serves to express a comparison, indicating that something is less difficult than is typically the case. Ludwig examples showcase its application in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Wiki

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "easier than usual" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is less difficult than normally expected. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase finds frequent use in news and media, as well as on wikis. To ensure clarity, always provide context for what the 'usual' level of difficulty is. By avoiding overgeneralizations and offering specific comparisons, you can effectively convey your intended meaning with precision and impact. Consider alternatives like "simpler than expected" or "less challenging than normal" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less challenging than normal

Replaces "easier" with "less challenging" and "usual" with "normal", emphasizing the reduction in difficulty compared to a standard level.

simpler than expected

Substitutes "easier" with "simpler" and "usual" with "expected", focusing on the element of surprise regarding the ease.

more straightforward than anticipated

Uses "more straightforward" instead of "easier" and "anticipated" instead of "usual", highlighting the directness and unexpected nature of the simplicity.

not as difficult as it typically is

Emphasizes the contrast with typical difficulty, offering a more descriptive and less direct alternative.

more manageable than normal

Replaces "easier" with "more manageable" focusing on the control aspect and "usual" with "normal".

less complicated than generally

Replaces "easier" with "less complicated" emphasizing the absence of difficulty, and "usual" with "generally".

relatively uncomplicated compared to the norm

Highlights a less complex aspect as compared to the norm.

surprisingly undemanding

Shows that the task is unexpectedly simple.

uncharacteristically effortless

Indicates the action required little to no effort.

uncommonly facile

Replace "easier" with "facile" to communicate with similar meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "easier than usual" in a sentence?

You can use "easier than usual" to describe a task or situation that is less difficult than what is typically expected. For example, "The exam was "easier than usual", so I finished it quickly."

What are some alternatives to saying "easier than usual"?

You can use alternatives like "simpler than expected", "less challenging than normal", or "more straightforward than anticipated" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "easier than usual"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase ""easier than usual"" is a standard comparative construction used to indicate a lower level of difficulty compared to the norm.

What's the difference between "easier than usual" and "easier than expected"?

While both phrases indicate a lower level of difficulty, ""easier than usual"" implies a comparison to a general norm, whereas "easier than expected" suggests a comparison to a specific anticipation or prior belief.