is easy to say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is easy to say" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that is simple to articulate but may not be as simple to execute or believe. Example: "While it is easy to say that we should all be more environmentally conscious, taking action is often much more challenging."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is easy to say sorry.

The Economist

"It is easy to say no.

Independent

That, of course, is easy to say.

The Guardian - Sport

"It is easy to say something new, it is easy to say something true.

The Guardian - Books

"It is easy to say minority students are lazy.

The New York Times

This is easy to say, but hard to do.

The Guardian

But that is easy to say with hindsight.

The Economist

"It is easy to say 'shark,' habibi," Fawad has said.

The New Yorker

"It is easy to say: this will regenerate the town.

The Guardian - Arts

Of course it is easy to say that now.

The Guardian - Sport

"It is easy to say but difficult to do".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is easy to say" to acknowledge the simplicity of a suggestion while hinting at potential challenges in its implementation. This can create a balanced and realistic tone in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "is easy to say" as a standalone statement without elaborating on why the stated idea might be difficult to execute. Always follow up with an explanation of the challenges involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is easy to say" functions as an introductory remark that prefaces a statement, often one that appears simple or obvious. It sets the stage for a contrasting idea, typically highlighting the difficulty or complexity involved in putting the statement into action. Ludwig AI confirms this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is easy to say" is a common phrase used to introduce statements that appear simple on the surface but often involve underlying complexities. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its primary function is to acknowledge the simplicity of a statement while hinting at the challenges of its implementation. It is used frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts, making it a versatile phrase for various writing styles. While grammatically correct, it is important to provide context and elaboration when using this phrase to avoid superficiality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is simple to state

Replaces "easy" with "simple" and "say" with "state", emphasizing the act of declaration.

is readily articulated

Substitutes "easy" with "readily" and "say" with "articulated", adding a formal tone.

is quickly mentioned

Focuses on the speed with which something can be brought up.

is superficially asserted

Highlights the potential lack of depth or consideration in the statement.

is glibly remarked

Implies a casual or thoughtless manner of speaking.

is facile to pronounce

Emphasizes the smoothness and lack of difficulty in uttering the words.

is convenient to claim

Suggests that the statement is made due to its advantageous nature.

can be trivially expressed

Indicates that the idea is basic and uncomplicated to communicate.

is elementary to voice

Highlights the fundamental nature of the statement and its ease of expression.

is uncomplicated to put forth

Focuses on the straightforwardness of presenting the idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "is easy to say" to introduce a statement that seems simple but may be difficult to implement in practice. For example, "It "is easy to say" we should all recycle, but it requires consistent effort and awareness."

What are some alternatives to "is easy to say"?

Some alternatives include "is simple to state", "is readily articulated", or "is quickly mentioned", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "is easy to say" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the tone. In highly formal contexts, alternatives like "is readily articulated" might be more suitable. The appropriateness depends on the overall formality of your writing.

What's the difference between "is easy to say" and "is easier said than done"?

"Is easy to say" simply acknowledges the statement's simplicity, whereas "is easier said than done" directly implies that the action or task is more difficult than it sounds. The latter is more emphatic about the difficulty.