make things easier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make things easier" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing ways to simplify a process or task for better efficiency or understanding. Example: "We implemented new software to make things easier for our team when managing projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It must make things easier".

The New York Times

Does working make things easier?

The Guardian

This was supposed to make things easier.

The Economist

He could make things easier for you".

The New Yorker

Money can, however, make things easier.

The Guardian - Money

Find ways to make things easier.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The world shouldn't make things easier for extremists.

The New York Times

TOUGH beginnings often make things easier later on.

The Economist

"I think all it does is make things easier".

The New York Times

Teresa didn't say that being strangers might make things easier.

The New Yorker

To make things easier stacks of input files are created.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions, follow "make things easier" with specific, actionable steps. For example, "To "make things easier" during tax season, organize your documents well in advance."

Common error

Avoid using "make things easier" as a blanket statement without providing context. Instead of saying 'This app will "make things easier"', specify which tasks it simplifies and how.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make things easier" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger sentence. According to Ludwig, it is a common and acceptable expression in English. It usually acts as a predicate, describing how an action or situation can be simplified.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

28%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make things easier" is a versatile and commonly used expression in English, as affirmed by Ludwig. It functions primarily to convey the simplification of tasks, processes, or situations across various contexts, from news and media to academia and general writing. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, its effectiveness can be enhanced by providing specific details on what is being simplified and how. When choosing a context-appropriate alternative, consider options like "simplify matters" or "streamline the process". As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase enjoys substantial usage across diverse sources, underscoring its widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simplify matters

Replaces "things" with "matters", implying a focus on resolving complications.

streamline the process

Focuses on making a process more efficient and less complex.

facilitate progress

Emphasizes aiding advancement or development.

ease the burden

Highlights reducing the difficulty or strain associated with something.

alleviate difficulties

Implies lessening problems or hardships.

expedite the task

Focuses on accelerating the completion of a specific task.

make life simpler

Broadens the scope to general life simplification.

reduce complexity

Specifically targets decreasing the level of intricacy.

smooth the path

Suggests removing obstacles to ensure a smoother progression.

clarify the situation

Focuses on making a situation more understandable and less confusing.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "make things easier"?

You can use alternatives such as "simplify matters", "streamline the process", or "facilitate progress" depending on the specific context.

Is "make things easier" too informal for professional writing?

While generally acceptable, in highly formal contexts, consider using more sophisticated phrases like "expedite the task" or "alleviate difficulties" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the best way to use "make things easier" in a sentence?

Use "make things easier" to describe actions or solutions that reduce complexity or effort. For example, "Implementing this new software will "make things easier" for the accounting department."

Can "make things easier" be used in academic writing?

Yes, it can be used, but ensure the context is appropriate. More formal alternatives such as "simplify matters" or "reduce complexity" might be preferred in certain academic disciplines.