easy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "easy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is simple or not difficult to do. Example: "This math problem is easy; I solved it in just a few minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is easy to see why.

The New York Times

I thought it was going to be easy.

The Guardian - Film

"I come from a working class background, it wasn't easy for me at all, backgrounded hard.

The Guardian - Sport

It is not easy.

The New York Times

It is not easy work.

The New York Times

It is not easy to say.

The Economist

That will not be easy.

The New York Times

You know, it was not easy".

The Guardian

It wasn't easy.

The New York Times

It's not an easy thing to have a missing child".

The Guardian

Then by the time Twitter's finished amplifying their shock by a factor of 10, it's easy to forget that some of the justices will have a more complex thought process than was on display in their questioning.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing tasks, use "easy" to convey that minimal effort or skill is required, setting expectations appropriately.

Common error

Avoid using "easy" excessively in formal contexts, as it can sound unprofessional. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "straightforward" or "uncomplicated".

Linguistic Context

The word "easy" primarily functions as an adjective, describing a noun or pronoun by attributing the quality of requiring little effort or skill. Ludwig AI indicates this usage aligns with standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "easy" is a versatile adjective widely used to denote simplicity or a lack of difficulty. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears frequently across numerous contexts, especially in news and media. While its informal tone makes it suitable for general communication, opting for synonyms like "straightforward" or "uncomplicated" may be beneficial in formal writing. To avoid overuse, consider refining your vocabulary by substituting with words such as "effortless" or "simple" where appropriate. Remember, while it’s often "easy" to use "easy", precision in word choice is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not difficult

A direct negation of difficulty.

effortless

Focuses on the absence of effort required.

simple

Emphasizes lack of complexity.

straightforward

Highlights the directness and clarity of a process or task.

uncomplicated

Stresses the lack of complications or problems.

painless

Indicates a lack of unpleasantness or difficulty.

undemanding

Implies little is required in terms of effort or skill.

a piece of cake

An idiomatic expression suggesting extreme ease.

child's play

Suggests something is so simple a child could do it.

elementary

Highlights the basic or fundamental nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "easy" in a sentence?

"Easy" can describe tasks, concepts, or situations requiring little effort. For example, "The test was surprisingly easy" or "It's easy to make that mistake".

What can I say instead of "easy"?

You can use alternatives like "simple", "straightforward", or "effortless" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "easy to do" or "easy doing"?

"Easy to do" is the correct and more common construction. "Easy doing" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "easy" and "simple"?

"Easy" suggests a task requires little effort, while "simple" implies a lack of complexity. Something can be simple but require effort, or easy but be complex.