it was not easy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it was not easy' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when expressing difficulty or unsuccessful attempts at something. For example, "It was not easy for me to wake up early this morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

It was not easy.

The New York Times - Magazine

But it was not easy.

The New York Times

It was not easy qualifying.

The New York Times

It was not easy….

The New Yorker

It was not easy going.

The New York Times - Arts

It was not easy, he added.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

And it just--it was not easy.

Huffington Post

It wasn't easy.

The New York Times

It wasn't easy, though.

The New York Times - Books

It wasn't easy viewing.

The Guardian - Sport

It wasn't easy material.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "it was not easy" with more descriptive alternatives (see related phrases) to convey a nuanced understanding of the challenge.

Common error

Avoid using "it was not easy" as a standalone statement without explaining the specific difficulties encountered. Always follow up with details or reasons why the task presented a challenge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was not easy" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing that a particular task, situation, or experience presented challenges or required significant effort. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this is a valid and frequently used expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was not easy" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing that a task, event, or experience was challenging. As supported by Ludwig AI, it is used across a variety of contexts, especially in News & Media and Academia. While the phrase is versatile, remember to provide specific context to clarify the nature of the difficulty. Consider alternative expressions for more nuanced communication. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, indicating its reliability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it proved difficult

Substitutes 'easy' with its direct antonym 'difficult', maintaining a similar level of formality.

it was quite a struggle

Uses the word 'struggle' to highlight the effort and difficulty involved.

it presented challenges

Replaces the subjective assessment of 'easy' with the more objective term 'challenges'.

it wasn't straightforward

Emphasizes the complexity of the situation, implying it wasn't simple or easy.

it required considerable effort

Highlights the effort needed, shifting the focus from the lack of ease to the work involved.

it involved hardship

Replaces 'easy' with the notion of 'hardship', emphasizing the suffering endured.

it wasn't a walk in the park

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the idea that something was challenging.

it demanded perseverance

Focuses on the need for persistence, emphasizing the difficulty indirectly.

it was an uphill battle

Employs a metaphor to describe a situation of constant struggle and resistance.

it tested my limits

Highlights the personal challenge and strain experienced, indicating the difficulty.

FAQs

What does "it was not easy" mean?

The phrase "it was not easy" means that a task, situation, or experience involved some degree of difficulty, effort, or struggle.

How can I use "it was not easy" in a sentence?

You can use "it was not easy" to describe a challenging experience. For example, "Learning to play the piano /s/proved+difficult; it was not easy, but I persevered."

What can I say instead of "it was not easy"?

You can use alternatives like "it proved difficult", "it required considerable effort", or "it was quite a struggle depending on the context.

Is "it was not easy" formal or informal?

"It was not easy" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more descriptive alternatives may be preferable in formal writing.