it was easy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was easy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task or situation that did not require much effort or was straightforward. Example: "The exam was challenging for some, but for me, it was easy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

It was easy money.

The Economist

It was easy".

The New York Times

It was easy, too.

The New York Times - Health

Not that it was easy.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was easy to learn".

The New York Times

After that, it was easy.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

It was easier.

The New York Times - Arts

"It was easier for me.

The New Yorker

It was easier that way.

The New Yorker

"It was easier online.

Forbes

It was easier for Clinton.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use alternatives to enhance nuance. For instance, "it was straightforward" may better describe a process, while "it was effortless" might highlight a natural talent.

Common error

Avoid using "it was easy" when referring to tasks that inherently require significant skill or effort. This can undermine the perceived expertise involved and diminish the actual accomplishment. Instead, focus on the strategies or expertise applied to manage the task effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was easy" functions as a declarative statement, asserting that a particular task, situation, or experience presented minimal difficulty. According to Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used, indicating that it is well accepted in the English language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was easy" is a declarative statement used to convey a lack of difficulty or effort in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used, making it a versatile choice for various contexts. It most frequently appears in news and media, formal business, and science-related content, with neutral register. While the phrase is simple and direct, it's important to use it judiciously, avoiding overstatements that can undermine accomplishments or misrepresent complex tasks. Instead, using alternative expressions like "it was straightforward" or "it was effortless" can add nuance and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was simple

Substitutes "easy" with a direct synonym, focusing on the uncomplicated nature of the task or situation.

it was effortless

Emphasizes the lack of required effort, suggesting the action happened almost without conscious input.

it was uncomplicated

Similar to "straightforward", but puts more stress in the absence of potential complications.

it was a breeze

Replaces "easy" with a more figurative term, implying a task was exceptionally simple.

it was straightforward

Focuses on the clear and uncomplicated process, implying a lack of ambiguity or complexity.

it was undemanding

Highlights the lack of rigorous requirements or difficulty associated with something.

it was a piece of cake

Uses an idiom to convey extreme ease, implying the task was exceptionally simple and enjoyable.

it was manageable

Indicates something was within the capacity to handle or control, without being overwhelming.

it was readily achieved

Focuses on the ease of accomplishment, highlighting the successful outcome with minimal struggle.

it came naturally

Suggests the action or result was intuitive and required no forced effort or learning.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "it was easy"?

You can use alternatives like "it was simple", "it was effortless", or "it was straightforward" depending on the context.

Is "it was easily" grammatically correct?

While "easily" is an adverb, it doesn't fit grammatically in the phrase. Stick to "it was easy", as it is the grammatically correct form.

How can I emphasize how simple something was?

To emphasize simplicity, you could use phrases like "it was a breeze" or "it was a piece of cake", which are idioms that convey a high degree of ease.

What's the difference between "it was easy" and "it became easy"?

"It was easy" implies that something was not difficult from the beginning. "It became easy" suggests that something was initially difficult but later simplified, possibly due to practice or a change in circumstances.