easy to discern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "easy to discern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is clear or easily understood. Example: "The differences between the two products are easy to discern, making the decision straightforward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's not immediately easy to discern.

The New Yorker

But it's not easy to discern.

The New York Times

Some of it is easy to discern.

The New York Times - Food

The legacy of Ludlow is not easy to discern.

The New Yorker

Indeed, not much of anything denotative is easy to discern.

The New York Times

Conservatives' ideological motives were as easy to discern.

The Guardian - Books

The source of Toronto's new vitality is easy to discern.

The New York Times

However, it's easy to discern the real — and darker — motive.

The New Yorker

Politics aside, the outlines of a long-term budget fix are easy to discern.

The New Yorker

But it is not always easy to discern the answer to that question.

The New York Times

It's not always easy to discern why a wig is necessary.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing differences or characteristics, "easy to discern" can help highlight the straightforward nature of the distinction, making your writing more persuasive.

Common error

Avoid using "easy to discern" in contexts where simpler words like "clear" or "obvious" would suffice. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose. Consider if the complexity of the situation truly warrants a more sophisticated phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "easy to discern" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, describing the characteristic of being readily understood or perceived. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Its role is to add clarity and precision to the description.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "easy to discern" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes something readily understandable. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Predominantly found in News & Media and scientific contexts, it conveys clarity and simplicity in perception. While alternatives like "simple to perceive" and "readily apparent" offer similar meanings, "easy to discern" provides a balance of formality and directness. It is advisable to avoid overusing the expression in simple contexts where more common words would be sufficient.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simple to perceive

Replaces "discern" with "perceive", implying a straightforward sensory understanding.

readily apparent

Shifts the focus to the obviousness of the information, rather than the act of discerning.

clearly distinguishable

Emphasizes the distinctiveness of the item being understood.

unmistakable

Highlights the certainty and lack of ambiguity in the information.

plainly visible

Focuses on visual clarity, making it directly observable.

straightforward to understand

Replaces "discern" with a broader term "understand", simplifying the expression.

evident

Indicates that something is obvious and requires little effort to notice.

patent

Highlights the obviousness and accessibility of the information.

easy to detect

Shifts the focus to the act of detection, implying a straightforward finding.

discernible without difficulty

Rephrases the original meaning with a more descriptive and somewhat formal tone.

FAQs

How can I use "easy to discern" in a sentence?

You can use "easy to discern" to describe something that is readily noticeable or understandable. For example, "The differences between the two approaches are "easy to discern", even to the untrained eye."

What are some alternatives to "easy to discern"?

Some alternatives to "easy to discern" include "simple to perceive", "readily apparent", or "clearly distinguishable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "discern" mean in the context of "easy to discern"?

In the phrase "easy to discern", "discern" means to perceive or recognize something, often after careful thought or observation. Therefore, "easy to discern" means that something can be perceived or recognized without much difficulty.

Is it more appropriate to use "easy to discern" or "easier to discern"?

Use "easy to discern" when you're making a general statement about something being readily understandable. Use "easier to discern" when comparing the ease of understanding between two or more things.