is not easy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not easy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is difficult or challenging, such as a task, problem, or process. For example: "Learning a new language is not easy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Simple is not easy.

The New York Times

Working is not easy.

The New York Times

"That is not easy".

The New York Times - Tech

It is not easy.

The New York Times

Pursuit is not easy.

The Economist

Change is not easy.

The Guardian

Life is not easy.

The Economist

His task is not easy.

The New York Times

Francis" is not easy listening.

The New Yorker

Gardening here is not easy.

The New York Times

Doing so is not easy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not easy", provide context to explain the specific challenges involved. This helps the reader understand the degree and nature of the difficulty.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the difficulty by using overly dramatic language. While something might be challenging, stating it's "impossible" when it's merely difficult can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not easy" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's state or quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to indicate that something presents difficulties or requires significant effort. The examples show its versatility in describing various challenging situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not easy" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey that something involves challenges or requires significant effort. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. The examples provided by Ludwig highlight its frequent use in news, science, and other domains. While alternatives like "is challenging" or "is difficult" offer similar meanings, "is not easy" maintains a neutral tone that makes it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, it's important to provide context and avoid exaggeration to maintain clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is difficult

Highlights the complexity and effort required.

is challenging

Focuses on the stimulating and demanding aspect.

is far from simple

Highlights that things are intricate and complex.

is demanding

Emphasizes the high requirements and expectations.

is painstaking

Focuses on the need for meticulous care and effort.

is no walk in the park

An idiomatic expression indicating significant difficulty.

is a tough nut to crack

Indicates a problem that is hard to solve.

is an uphill battle

Suggests a continuous and arduous struggle.

is a Herculean task

Alludes to a task requiring immense strength and effort.

is an ordeal

Implies a severely difficult or painful experience.

FAQs

What does the phrase "is not easy" mean?

The phrase "is not easy" means that something requires significant effort, skill, or perseverance to achieve or accomplish. It implies that there are challenges or difficulties involved.

How can I use "is not easy" in a sentence?

You can use "is not easy" to describe a task, situation, or concept that presents difficulties. For example, "Learning a new language "is not easy"" or "Balancing work and family life "is not easy"".

What are some alternatives to saying "is not easy"?

Some alternatives include "is challenging", "is difficult", "is demanding", "is far from simple", or "is no walk in the park". Each of these options provides a slightly different nuance to the meaning.

Is "is not easy" formal or informal?

The phrase "is not easy" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might opt for a more sophisticated alternative like "is challenging" or "is arduous".