is not easy to understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not easy to understand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is difficult to comprehend or grasp, whether it be a concept, text, or situation. Example: "The instructions provided in the manual are quite complex and is not easy to understand for beginners."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Now we have to face a new and largely unknown organization, with a loose system and hidden connections, so it is not easy to understand its internal functioning.

The New Yorker

White holes pop up in general relativity (which also explains the expansion of the universe) and that theory as a whole is not easy to understand physically.

Cornell University

What is not easy to understand is their outraged chants that they would vote for John McCain in the November election.

The New York Times

It is not easy to understand why we have been in retreat from a communal acknowledgment of tragedy in our view of ourselves and the world we inhabit.

The New York Times

Privacy risks are very real for some "interconnected" toys but, unfortunately, it is not easy to understand privacy policies – even for a lawyer like me.

The Guardian - Opinion

After saying he would vote to confirm Mr. Ashcroft, Mr. Feingold added: "For many of my colleagues, friends, supporters and constituents, this is not easy to understand".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

It's not easy to understand what will happen.

The Guardian - Film

"but it's not easy to understand, so many commentators haven't been focusing on it".

The New York Times

Even if you can get the information, it's not easy to understand.

The New York Times

However, Rustin continued, "the evils in the North are not easy to understand and fight against".

The New York Times - Books

It's not easy to understand how other people perceive us.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If you find yourself using "is not easy to understand" frequently, consider rephrasing the complex topic in simpler terms to enhance clarity for your audience.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of passive constructions like "is not easy to understand" which can make your writing sound weak. Instead, try active voice to clarify who or what finds it difficult to understand. For example, instead of "The concept is not easy to understand", write "Readers may find the concept difficult to understand".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not easy to understand" functions as a descriptive predicate, indicating a quality of something being difficult to comprehend. As Ludwig AI points out, it is used to express that a particular subject, concept, or situation requires effort to grasp, often implying complexity or obscurity. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not easy to understand" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey difficulty in comprehension. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and appears across various contexts, from academic writing to news articles. While its neutral register allows for broad application, it's advisable to provide specific context to what exactly isn't easy to understand. Exploring alternatives like "is difficult to grasp" or "is challenging to fathom" can add nuance to your writing. Remember to avoid overuse of the passive voice for clearer, more impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is difficult to grasp

Replaces "easy" with "difficult" and "understand" with "grasp", emphasizing the effort required for comprehension.

is hard to comprehend

Substitutes "easy" with "hard" and "understand" with "comprehend", suggesting a significant challenge in understanding.

is challenging to fathom

Replaces "easy" with "challenging" and "understand" with "fathom", indicating a deep level of difficulty in understanding.

is not readily apparent

Shifts focus to the lack of immediate clarity, implying that understanding requires more effort than expected.

is somewhat obscure

Indicates a lack of clarity and potential hidden meanings, suggesting that understanding may require investigation.

is rather convoluted

Highlights the complexity and intricacy of the subject matter, making understanding difficult.

is a complex matter

Emphasizes the multifaceted nature of the topic, implying that understanding involves navigating various interconnected elements.

presents interpretive difficulties

Focuses on the act of interpretation and the challenges it poses, suggesting that understanding is not straightforward.

defies simple explanation

Indicates that the topic is too intricate to be explained in a straightforward manner, suggesting a level of complexity that resists simplification.

remains enigmatic

Highlights the mysterious and puzzling nature of the subject, suggesting that understanding is elusive and not easily achieved.

FAQs

What does "is not easy to understand" mean?

The phrase "is not easy to understand" means that something is difficult to comprehend or grasp. It suggests that the subject requires significant effort or explanation to be properly understood.

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

You can use "is not easy to understand" to describe complex concepts, unclear instructions, or intricate situations. For example: "The theory of relativity "is not easy to understand" without a strong foundation in physics".

Which is a more formal way to say "is not easy to understand"?

More formal alternatives include "is difficult to comprehend", "presents interpretive difficulties", or "is hard to fathom". These phrases convey a similar meaning with a more elevated tone.

What are some simpler ways to express "is not easy to understand"?

Simpler alternatives include "is hard to get", "is difficult to grasp", or "is challenging to fathom". These phrases use more common vocabulary to convey the same idea.