it wasn't easy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it wasn't easy' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task or challenge that was difficult to accomplish. For example, "Finding a good job in a difficult economy was challenging, it wasn't easy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

So it wasn't easy.

The New York Times - Sports

But still, it wasn't easy.

The New York Times

It wasn't easy out there.

Independent

No, it wasn't easy".

The New York Times

"It wasn't easy," Tarn recalls.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It wasn't easy," Wawrinka said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It wasn't easy," Biron said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "it wasn't easy" with a brief explanation of the challenges faced to provide context and highlight the significance of overcoming those challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "it wasn't easy" as a standalone statement without providing any details about what made it difficult. This can leave the audience wondering about the specifics and diminish the impact of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it wasn't easy" functions as a declarative statement expressing that a particular task, situation, or experience was challenging or difficult. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a standard expression used to convey the opposite of ease. Examples in Ludwig highlight its use in describing personal challenges and broader difficulties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it wasn't easy" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey that something was difficult or challenging. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, suggesting its role in describing tasks requiring significant effort. Analysis of example sentences from Ludwig shows it is most frequently found in News & Media. When you want to add authenticity and impact to your message, you can use "it wasn't easy" to provide a candid assessment after outlining an achievement, emphasizing the effort involved. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase without context. If you need alternatives, you can consider "it was challenging" or "it was difficult".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was challenging

This alternative directly replaces "easy" with its antonym, "challenging", maintaining a very close semantic equivalence.

it was difficult

Replaces "easy" with "difficult", emphasizing the labor or effort required.

it was no simple task

Emphasizes the complexity of the task rather than the ease or difficulty.

it presented some obstacles

Focuses on the presence of problems that had to be overcome.

it required considerable effort

Highlights the amount of energy and work that was necessary.

it wasn't a walk in the park

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey that the situation was not pleasant or effortless.

it demanded a lot

Emphasizes the high requirements and expectations of the task or situation.

it tested my limits

This alternative focuses on the personal impact, indicating a strain on one's abilities or endurance.

it was an uphill battle

Implies a constant struggle against resistance or adversity.

it pushed me to my limits

Similar to testing limits, but emphasizes the action of being pushed.

FAQs

What does "it wasn't easy" mean?

The phrase "it wasn't easy" means that something was difficult to achieve or accomplish, requiring significant effort, perseverance, or skill. It implies that the process involved challenges or obstacles that had to be overcome.

How can I use "it wasn't easy" in a sentence?

You can use "it wasn't easy" to describe any situation where you faced challenges. For example, "Learning a new language was challenging, "it wasn't easy", but I persevered."

What can I say instead of "it wasn't easy"?

You can use alternatives like "it was challenging", "it was difficult", or "it was no simple task" depending on the context.

Is "it wasn't easy" formal or informal?

"It wasn't easy" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both informal and many formal contexts. However, in highly formal or professional settings, consider using alternatives like "it presented significant challenges" or "it required considerable effort".