far from easy

USAGE SUMMARY

"far from easy" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use the phrase when describing a task or situation that is complicated or challenging. For example: "Finding a solution to this problem has been far from easy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's far from easy".

The Guardian - Sport

And it will be far from easy.

The Economist

Starting over is far from easy.

The New York Times - Books

But answering it is far from easy.

The Economist

Their interpretation is far from easy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was far from easy.

The Guardian

My decision was far from easy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Life is far from easy for them.

The Guardian

His career trajectory was far from easy.

The Guardian - Film

The challenge is far from easy.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

When times are far from easy, it's even more difficult.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "far from easy" to subtly convey the complexity of a situation without exaggerating the difficulty. It's suitable when acknowledging challenges exist, but not presenting them as insurmountable.

Common error

Avoid using "far from easy" when describing trivial inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where the difficulty is substantial and not immediately obvious. Misusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far from easy" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its quality of being challenging or difficult. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is a valid and frequently used component of the English language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "far from easy" is a versatile phrase used to describe situations or tasks characterized by considerable difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently appears across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media. While appropriate for professional settings, it's best reserved for instances where the challenge is substantial to maintain its impact. For academic or highly formal writing, alternatives like "presents significant difficulties" may offer greater precision. When communicating the presence of difficulties or complexities in a task, situation, or process this expression subtly highlights unexpected challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anything but easy

Emphasizes the contrast with ease more strongly.

not a walk in the park

An idiomatic expression implying difficulty.

no easy task

Highlights the difficulty as a characteristic of the task itself.

difficult by any stretch

Implies difficulty from all perspectives.

a considerable challenge

Replaces 'easy' with the concept of a 'challenge'.

demanding to say the least

Understates the difficulty, implying it's even more challenging than 'demanding'.

poses significant difficulties

Focuses on the problems caused.

fraught with difficulties

Highlights that is full of issues.

presents a steep learning curve

Implies a long hard process to reach proficiency.

requires significant effort

Focuses on the effort needed.

FAQs

How can I use "far from easy" in a sentence?

You can use "far from easy" to describe a task, situation, or process that presents considerable challenges. For example: "Achieving our sales target this quarter has been "far from easy"."

What's a more formal alternative to "far from easy"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "presents significant difficulties" or "poses considerable challenges" as alternatives to "far from easy".

What's the difference between "far from easy" and "difficult"?

"Far from easy" implies that something might initially seem simple, but is actually complex. "Difficult" is a more direct statement of the degree of effort required, whereas "far from easy" might subtly imply a deceptive appearance of simplicity that is not true.

Is "far from easy" suitable for academic writing?

While acceptable, "far from easy" may be considered somewhat informal for academic writing. Using more precise and descriptive language, such as "presents a significant challenge" or "involves complex procedures", can enhance clarity and sophistication.