less easy than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less easy than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the ease of two tasks or situations, indicating that one is not as easy as the other. Example: "This math problem is less easy than the previous one we solved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Nothing about Fakesgiving was less easy than the gravy.

The New Yorker

To define the difference, however, is less easy than to state that it exists.

The New York Times

Often, though, asking for advice is less easy than it sounds because of that famous British reserve.

The Guardian

… Hume responded that it made him no less easy than the thought that he had never been.

The Guardian - Books

Life is less easy than might be expected in an oil-rich state with a government that subsidises food, health and education.

The Economist

Furthermore, Russia will find it no less easy than the West to deal with the local and regional consequences of the Syrian civil war.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The nature of artistic merit is less easy to define than to recognize.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Social mobility is less easy in America than in other countries.

The Economist

VHS still seems less easy to romanticize than many other old-media castoffs.

The New York Times

Thanks to national and European regulation, for instance, they find it much less easy to merge than Facebook and WhatsApp.

The Economist

It is said that the Greek ships were actually heavier and less easy to maneuver than those of their opponents.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less easy than", ensure the comparison is clear and that the context provides a basis for understanding why one thing is considered less easy. For example, "Solving this equation is "less easy than" balancing a chemical reaction".

Common error

Avoid using "less easy than" without a clear point of reference. For example, saying "It is "less easy than" it seems" is acceptable, but stating "It is "less easy than"" without context makes the statement incomplete and confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less easy than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to compare the relative difficulty of two different tasks, situations, or entities. The phrase modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that one is not as simple or effortless as the other.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less easy than" is a grammatically correct and commonly used comparative phrase for indicating relative difficulty. As verified by Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedia sources. While it can be used interchangeably with "not as easy as", it's essential to ensure a clear comparison. Alternatives such as "more challenging than" or "more difficult than" can provide a more formal tone. The phrase is generally well-accepted in writing, provided that the comparison being made is clear to the reader. The source quality is high, averaging 91, and examples confirm consistent and correct usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more challenging than

Replaces "less easy" with its direct antonym "more challenging", emphasizing the higher level of difficulty.

more difficult than

Similar to "more challenging", but with a stronger emphasis on the extent of the difficulty.

harder compared to

Uses "harder" as a direct synonym for "less easy", with "compared to" providing the comparison.

not as straightforward as

Focuses on the directness and simplicity, implying a lack thereof.

not as simple as

Highlights the complexity rather than the difficulty.

more complex than

Shifts the focus from ease to the level of intricacy involved.

poses a greater challenge than

Emphasizes the challenge aspect, suggesting a significant obstacle.

requires more effort than

Emphasizes the amount of effort needed, implying a lack of ease.

demands more skill than

Highlights the level of skill required, implying greater difficulty for those without the necessary expertise.

not quite as manageable as

Focuses on the manageability aspect, indicating something is harder to control or deal with.

FAQs

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

Use "less easy than" to compare the difficulty of two tasks or situations, indicating one is more challenging than the other. For instance, "Learning a new language is "less easy than" mastering a musical instrument for some people".

What's a more formal alternative to "less easy than"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "more challenging than" or "more difficult than" to convey a similar meaning with greater precision.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less easy than"?

Yes, "less easy than" is grammatically sound and commonly used in English to express a comparison of difficulty. The phrase is widely accepted, as confirmed by Ludwig.

How does "less easy than" differ from "not as easy as"?

"Less easy than" and "not as easy as" are largely interchangeable, but "less easy than" implies a slight difference in difficulty, whereas "not as easy as" can suggest a more significant disparity. In most cases, the choice is stylistic.