it is no easy task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is no easy task" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or activity that is challenging or difficult to accomplish. Example: "Completing the project on time is no easy task, given the tight deadlines and limited resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

It is no easy task, with BBC1 pinching its biggest shows (Miranda, MasterChef, The Apprentice) and its digital siblings BBC3 and BBC4 attracting talent and ideas that would previously gone to BBC2.

The Guardian

But changing it is no easy task.

The New York Times

Still, Schumacher maintained that it is no easy task.

The New York Times - Sports

Thus, it is no easy task to obtain discrete-time models for nonlinear systems.

Digital Control Engineering Analysis and Design

Opening up a new school and growing it is no easy task.

The New York Times

It is no easy task, and past efforts have failed miserably.

The Washington Post

It is no easy task to transform a country that is corrupt from top to bottom.

The New Yorker

However, it is no easy task, largely due to the weather.

Independent

It is no easy task to unite a nation as big, diverse and young as Brazil.

The Guardian - Sport

In these circumstances, it is no easy task to gain the public's trust".

The Guardian

It is no easy task to communicate even where both sides are trying their best.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, follow it with a clear explanation of why the task is difficult. Providing context enhances the impact and credibility of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "it is no easy task" for trivial matters. The phrase is best reserved for situations that genuinely present significant challenges, otherwise it can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is no easy task" serves as an introductory expression, often preceding an explanation of the difficulties involved in a specific undertaking. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and frequently used in written English to acknowledge a challenge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is no easy task" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a challenging undertaking. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase accurately sets the stage for a potentially difficult activity or goal. Predominantly found in News & Media, Scientific, and Business contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal register. Consider alternatives such as "it is a challenge" or "it is difficult" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Reserve it for situations that genuinely present significant challenges to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is no simple task

Replaces "easy" with "simple", maintaining the core meaning but slightly altering the emphasis.

it is not an easy undertaking

Substitutes "task" with "undertaking", which implies a more significant and complex project.

it is a challenging endeavor

Replaces the negative phrasing with a more direct assertion of difficulty, using "challenging endeavor".

it presents a considerable challenge

Shifts the focus to the challenge itself, emphasizing the difficulty it poses.

it is a difficult assignment

Replaces "task" with "assignment", implying a specific duty or project that is hard to complete.

it is a tough proposition

Uses "tough proposition" to suggest that success is unlikely or requires significant effort.

it's quite a challenge

Uses a more colloquial tone to express the difficulty involved.

it is an uphill battle

Emphasizes the struggle and resistance involved, suggesting a difficult and protracted effort.

it is fraught with difficulty

Highlights the presence of numerous obstacles and complications.

it is easier said than done

Indicates that the action is more complex to execute than it appears or sounds.

FAQs

What does "it is no easy task" mean?

The phrase "it is no easy task" means that something requires significant effort, skill, or resources to accomplish. It implies that the undertaking is challenging and not straightforward.

How can I use "it is no easy task" in a sentence?

You can use "it is no easy task" to introduce a statement acknowledging the difficulty of a particular action or goal. For example, "Convincing the board to adopt the new strategy "it is no easy task", given their conservative approach."

What are some alternatives to "it is no easy task"?

Alternatives include "it is a challenge", "it is difficult", "it is a tough job", or "it is an uphill battle", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it is not easy" or "it is no easy task"?

Both "it is not easy" and ""it is no easy task"" are grammatically correct, but ""it is no easy task"" is often used for more significant or complex undertakings. "It is not easy" can apply to simpler challenges as well.