easy to say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "easy to say" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to emphasize something that is not difficult to say. For example: "I'm sorry for my mistake - it was an easy thing to say, but I should have done it sooner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's easy to say.

The New York Times

"And that's easy to say.

Independent

It's easy to say yes.

The New Yorker

It's so easy to say.

University of California, Berkeley

These words are not easy to say".

The New York Times

It is easy to say sorry.

The Economist

It is not easy to say.

The Economist

It was suddenly easy to say everything.

The New Yorker

"It is easy to say no.

Independent

Easy to say, harder to achieve.

Independent

It's not easy to say.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "easy to say" to introduce a contrast, often followed by a qualification about the difficulty of implementation or the complexity of the underlying issue.

Common error

Avoid using "easy to say" as a standalone statement. Always provide context or explanation as to why something is 'easy to say' but potentially difficult in practice to increase understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "easy to say" primarily functions as a qualifier or introductory remark, typically setting up a contrast or caveat. It often precedes a statement acknowledging its simplicity while implying underlying complexities. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

29%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "easy to say" is a versatile phrase used to acknowledge the simplicity of a statement while implying potential complexities or difficulties. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, academia, and business. When using "easy to say", consider the importance of providing context, as it often introduces a contrasting element. Alternatives like "easier said than done" or "sounds good in theory" can provide similar nuance. By following these guidelines, you can effectively utilize "easy to say" to enhance your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

easier said than done

Highlights the contrast between the simplicity of saying something and the difficulty of doing it.

simple to state

Focuses on the simplicity of the statement itself, rather than the action of saying it.

effortless to articulate

Emphasizes the lack of effort required to express something.

readily expressed

Highlights that something is easily and quickly put into words.

not difficult to mention

Underlines the lack of challenge in bringing something up in conversation.

painless to utter

Suggests that saying something causes no emotional or mental discomfort.

comes off the tongue

Implies a natural and fluid ease in speaking.

on the tip of one's tongue

Describes something almost spoken due to its readiness.

sounds good in theory

Indicates that something appears practical when discussed abstractly, but might not work in reality.

a piece of cake to say

Uses an idiom to convey that something is particularly easy to articulate.

FAQs

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

Use "easy to say" to introduce a statement that is simple in principle but might be complex or difficult to execute in reality. For example, "It's "easy to say" 'be kind', but it's harder to practice empathy consistently."

What's a good alternative to "easy to say" that still conveys a similar meaning?

Alternatives include "easier said than done", which emphasizes the difficulty of implementing what's being said, or "sounds good in theory", highlighting a potential disconnect between theoretical simplicity and practical application.

When is it appropriate to use "easy to say" in writing?

It is appropriate when you want to acknowledge that a statement is straightforward or simple to articulate, but also imply that the reality behind the statement is more complex or challenging. This adds depth and nuance to your writing.

What are some common phrases that follow "easy to say"?

Common phrases include "easy to say, but", "easy to say, harder to do", and "easy to say in hindsight", which all indicate a discrepancy between the simplicity of the statement and the complexity of the situation.