easy call

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "easy call" is correct and usable in written English.
You would typically use it as an idiom to mean that a decision is or was straightforward or obvious. For example, "When I saw the incredible deal, it was an easy call to buy it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's an easy call.

The New York Times

They're not an easy call".

The New York Times - Style

This isn't an easy call.

The New York Times - Sports

Not always an easy call.

The New York Times

It is not an easy call.

The New York Times

It was not an easy call.

The New York Times

But his visit wasn't an easy call.

The New York Times

For me, that's an easy call.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's not always an easy call.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was not an easy call, Matheny later said.

The New York Times - Sports

"The easy call would be to keep it the same.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "easy call" when you want to convey that a decision was straightforward and required little deliberation. It's best suited for situations where the rationale behind the decision is clear and easily understood.

Common error

While "easy call" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "straightforward decision" or "obvious choice" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "easy call" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a predicate nominative or object complement. According to Ludwig AI, it's an idiom used to indicate a straightforward or obvious decision. The examples provided by Ludwig further illustrate its use in various contexts to describe decisions lacking complexity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

0.66%

Formal & Business

0.66%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "easy call" is a common idiom used to describe a decision that is straightforward and obvious. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, typically indicating a lack of complexity in the decision-making process. With very common occurence in news and media, its use in formal academic writing should be approached with caution, favoring more sophisticated alternatives. The phrase functions primarily as a noun phrase and serves to communicate the simplicity and clarity of a choice. Although predominantly neutral, its informal leaning suggests sparing use in highly formal communications. In summary, "easy call" is best used when emphasizing the obvious nature of a decision in informal to neutral contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obvious choice

Emphasizes the clarity and lack of alternatives in the decision.

clear decision

Highlights the lack of ambiguity in the decision-making process.

straightforward decision

Indicates the simplicity and lack of complexity in the decision.

no-brainer

Suggests the decision requires minimal thought or deliberation.

simple choice

Underlines the uncomplicated nature of the selection.

foregone conclusion

Implies the decision was predictable or inevitable.

self-evident decision

Highlights that the decision is obvious and requires no explanation.

uncomplicated decision

Focuses on the lack of complexity or difficulty in making the decision.

apparent choice

Indicates that the decision is easily perceived or understood.

evident decision

Suggests the decision is clearly apparent and obvious.

FAQs

How can I use "easy call" in a sentence?

You can use "easy call" to describe a decision that was simple and obvious. For example, "Choosing to accept the job offer with a higher salary was an "easy call"".

What are some alternatives to "easy call"?

Alternatives to "easy call" include phrases like "obvious choice", "clear decision", or "straightforward decision", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "easy call" appropriate for formal writing?

While "easy call" is widely understood, it's generally better suited for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more elevated language like "uncomplicated decision" or "self-evident choice".

What does it mean when someone says something is an "easy call"?

Saying something is an "easy call" means that the decision was simple, obvious, and required little to no deliberation. It implies that the best course of action was clear.