it was no easy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was no easy" is not correct in English.
It should be "it was not easy" or "it was no easy task." You can use it when describing a situation or task that was challenging or difficult to accomplish. Example: "Completing the project on time was no easy task, but we managed to do it."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was no easy task.

The Economist

It was no easy journey.

The New York Times - Travel

It was no easy ride.

The Guardian

It was no easy thing.

The Guardian - Books

And it was no easy feat.

The New York Times

Believe me, it was no easy task.

The Guardian

But creating it was no easy task.

The New York Times - Health

IT WAS no easy business to supplant the horse.

The Economist

It was no easy task, given the expectations and demands in Boston.

The New York Times - Sports

Though Ms. Mulcahy never took long maternity leaves, her friends say it was no easy choice.

The New York Times

So when the Schooltinks decided to add a modern glass-and-wood extension, it was no easy task.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a task that presented difficulties, opt for grammatically correct alternatives such as "it was not easy" or "it was no easy task". Using these variations ensures clarity and professionalism in your writing.

Common error

While the phrase "it was no easy" appears frequently, especially in informal contexts, it is grammatically incorrect. Always remember to use "it was not easy" or "it was no easy task" to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase, although grammatically incorrect, functions as an adjectival phrase modifying an implied noun (like task, feat, matter, etc.). It attempts to convey that something was difficult or challenging. The corrected form, "it was not easy", serves the same purpose. Ludwig AI identifies the original phrase as grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

12%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "it was no easy" is frequently encountered, especially in news and media sources, it is crucial to recognize that it is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI recommends using alternatives such as "it was not easy" or "it was no easy task" to maintain grammatical accuracy and professionalism in writing. Although common, especially in informal contexts, adhering to correct grammar enhances clarity and credibility. Remember to favor correct alternatives to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was not easy

Emphasizes the difficulty with a simple negation, correcting the grammatical error.

it was not a simple task

Replaces "easy" with "simple task", highlighting that the matter required significant effort.

it was quite difficult

Uses the adjective "difficult" to directly describe the level of challenge.

it was far from easy

Emphasizes the extent of difficulty with a stronger negation.

it presented a challenge

Focuses on the challenging nature of the situation or task.

it was an uphill battle

Uses a metaphor to describe the struggle and effort required.

it was no walk in the park

An idiomatic expression meaning that something was not easy or pleasant.

it demanded considerable effort

Highlights the amount of effort that was necessary.

it proved to be arduous

Describes the task as demanding and tiring.

it tested their limits

Suggests that the task was so difficult that it pushed individuals to their breaking points.

FAQs

What's the correct way to say "it was no easy"?

The grammatically correct alternatives are "it was not easy" or "it was no easy task". Both options clearly convey that something was difficult.

Is "it was no easy feat" correct?

Yes, "it was no easy feat" is a correct and commonly used phrase. It emphasizes that achieving something required significant skill or effort.

What can I say instead of "it was no easy task"?

Alternatives include /s/it+was+quite+difficult, /s/it+was+far+from+easy, or /s/it+presented+a+challenge. Each of these options highlights the level of difficulty encountered.

When is it appropriate to use "it was no easy"?

While frequently used, "it was no easy" is grammatically incorrect. It's always better to use the correct alternatives such as "it was not easy" or "it was no easy task" to avoid grammatical errors.