it was really easy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was really easy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task or situation that required little effort or was simple to accomplish. Example: "I thought the exam would be difficult, but it was really easy, and I finished it in no time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was really easy.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was really easy," she said.

The New York Times

"It was really easy point; I missed it," she said.

The New York Times

"It was really easy not to look," she says.

The New Yorker

I dialed 1-800-ENGLISH 1-800-ENGLISH 1-800-ENGLISH

The New Yorker

She explained: "It was really easy to follow.

Independent

"It could be made overnight, it was really easy.

The Guardian

"It was really easy to get to work.

The New York Times

"With badminton it was really easy," she says.

The Guardian

"I'm not going to suggest it was really easy for him," Rangers Coach Tom Renney said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was really easy for me, and I got all A's.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience. If the context demands greater formality, opt for alternatives like "it was straightforward" or "it required minimal effort".

Common error

Avoid using "it was really easy" excessively, especially in formal writing. Overuse can make your writing sound simplistic or repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "it was simple" or "it posed no challenge" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was really easy" functions as a declarative statement expressing the simplicity or lack of difficulty associated with a particular task, experience, or situation. As shown in Ludwig, it's often used to provide a personal assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Science

10%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was really easy" is a common and straightforward way to express that something required minimal effort. While grammatically correct, it's best suited for informal contexts. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "it was straightforward" or "it presented no difficulties". According to Ludwig, this phrase is widely used across various reputable sources, mostly in News & Media and Science, making it a reliable choice for everyday communication. Remember to avoid overuse and vary your language to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was ridiculously simple

This emphasizes the extreme easiness of the task.

it was a breeze

This is an idiomatic expression indicating something was very easy to do.

it was a cinch

This informal term indicates something was very easy to accomplish.

it was child's play

This idiom suggests something is extremely easy, like a game for children.

it was straightforward

This suggests the task was simple and direct, without complications.

it was effortless

This highlights the lack of effort required to complete the task.

it posed no challenge

This alternative emphasizes the lack of difficulty in a task.

it was undemanding

This describes the task as not requiring much effort or attention.

it required minimal effort

This alternative highlights the low amount of effort needed.

it presented no difficulties

This formally states the absence of problems or challenges.

FAQs

How can I use "it was really easy" in a sentence?

You can use "it was really easy" to describe tasks or situations that required little effort. For instance, "I thought the test would be hard, but "it was really easy"".

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

You can use alternatives like "it was a breeze", "it was straightforward", or "it required minimal effort" depending on the context.

Is "it was really easy" too informal for professional writing?

Yes, "it was really easy" may be too informal for professional writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "it presented no difficulties" or "it was undemanding" in such contexts.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it was really easy"?

The phrase is appropriate in informal conversations, casual writing, or when emphasizing how surprisingly simple something was. However, avoid using it in formal academic papers or business reports where a more professional tone is expected.