less easy

USAGE SUMMARY

"less easy" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express something that is not as easy as it was previously. For example: "Solving the maths problem became less easy when I added a few more complex terms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Senate is proving less easy.

The Economist

"It is less easy now.

The New York Times

Life is less easy now.

The Guardian - Business

For some it's less easy.

The Guardian - Sport

Other performances were less easy to explain.

The Economist

Human barometers are less easy to parse.

The New York Times

Resistance is becoming less and less easy.

The Guardian - Business

Women can make for less easy company.

The Guardian - Film

Talking about Saturday's singers is less easy.

The New York Times - Arts

He was less easy as Loveable Gordon.

The Guardian

Banking culture is less easy to fix.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less easy" when you want to convey that something has become more challenging or requires more effort than before. It's particularly effective when contrasting current conditions with a previous state.

Common error

Avoid using "less easy" when you actually mean "impossible" or "extremely difficult." "Less easy" implies a change in difficulty, not an insurmountable obstacle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less easy" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a decrease in ease or simplicity. Ludwig provides several examples from various contexts showcasing this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Less easy" is a versatile phrase used to express that something is not as simple or effortless as it once was. Grammatically correct and frequently employed across diverse contexts—from news and academic writing to scientific discourse—it effectively conveys a relative increase in difficulty. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is common in reputable sources such as The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Economist, confirming its acceptability in both formal and informal writing. When using "less easy", ensure it accurately reflects a shift in difficulty rather than an absolute barrier. Consider using synonyms like "more challenging" or "more difficult" to fine-tune the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more difficult

A direct synonym indicating a higher degree of effort required.

not so simple

Indicates a departure from ease and simplicity.

more challenging

Emphasizes the increased difficulty or demands of a task.

more complicated

Suggests an increase in complexity or intricacy.

not as straightforward

Highlights the lack of simplicity or directness in a process or situation.

requires more effort

Highlights the increased exertion or work needed.

is more demanding

Emphasizes the higher requirements or expectations.

presents more obstacles

Focuses on the impediments or hurdles involved.

not as facile

Indicates a lack of smoothness or effortless execution.

more arduous

Suggests a task that is strenuous and laborious.

FAQs

How can I use "less easy" in a sentence?

You can use "less easy" to indicate that a task or situation has become more challenging. For example, "Now that more complex terms were added, solving the maths problem became "less easy"".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "less easy"?

Some similar phrases include "more challenging", "more difficult", or "not as straightforward". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less easy"?

Yes, "less easy" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from reliable sources.

What is the difference between "less easy" and "more difficult"?

While both phrases indicate increased difficulty, "less easy" often implies a relative change from a previous state of being easier, whereas "more difficult" can simply describe the inherent difficulty of something.