no easier than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "no easier than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the difficulty of two tasks or situations, indicating that one is as difficult as the other. Example: "This puzzle is no easier than the last one I attempted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Defeating proliferation will be no easier than defeating terrorism.

The Economist

But remembering several such phrases is no easier than remembering several randomly chosen passwords.

The Economist

Reversing this unlucky campaign will be no easier than staging a tidy withdrawal from Iraq.

The Economist

But reform of the tax regime is no easier than any other structural change.

The Economist

It's no easier than doing it yourself, and will be no more favourably received.

The Guardian - Opinion

It demonstrates that merging cultural institutions is no easier than merging corporations.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Such trade routes are no easier to police than those that brought in heroin and cocaine.

The Economist

Thus, for example, identifying individual feathers from the mass of preserved feathers is no easier under UV than normal light.

Plosone

Easier Than eBay.

Forbes

While mine may have been different or perhaps not, they are no more severe or no more easy than anyone else's experiences.

Huffington Post

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "no easier than" when you want to directly compare two situations or tasks, highlighting that they possess a similar level of difficulty. This construction is effective for drawing parallels and setting expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "no easier than" when you're not explicitly comparing two distinct items or actions. This phrase is designed for direct comparison; without it, the sentence will lack clarity and purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "no easier than" functions as a comparative construction, indicating that two actions, tasks, or situations possess a similar level of difficulty. It's a common way to draw a parallel between two subjects, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "no easier than" is a versatile comparative construction used to equate the difficulty of two distinct subjects. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts, including news, science, and business. When writing, ensure the comparison is explicit to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "just as difficult as" and "equally challenging to" can provide stylistic variations. The prevalence of this phrase in authoritative sources underscores its widespread acceptance and utility in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just as difficult as

Replaces "no easier than" with a direct equivalence in difficulty.

equally challenging to

Emphasizes the challenging nature of both tasks being compared.

no less arduous than

Uses a more formal tone, highlighting the laboriousness involved.

every bit as tough as

Highlights the toughness or rigor of the comparison.

as complicated as

Focuses on the complexity of the activities in question.

comparably demanding to

Emphasizes the high demands placed on those performing the tasks.

presents similar difficulties to

Shifts the focus to the difficulties faced rather than direct comparison.

poses an equivalent challenge to

Highlights the aspect of challenge instead of general ease.

not any simpler than

Directly contrasts simplicity, implying similar levels of complexity.

no walk in the park either

Idiomatic expression emphasizing that neither option is simple.

FAQs

How can I use "no easier than" in a sentence?

Use "no easier than" to compare two tasks, suggesting they are similarly difficult. For example, "Learning French is no easier than learning Spanish."

What can I say instead of "no easier than"?

You can use alternatives like "just as difficult as", "equally challenging to", or "no less arduous than" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "not easier than"?

Saying "not easier than" is grammatically acceptable, but the phrasing "no easier than" is more common and idiomatic. Both express a similar idea, but the latter is generally preferred for its smoother flow.

What's the difference between "no easier than" and "easier than"?

"No easier than" indicates that something is as difficult as or more difficult than something else, while "easier than" suggests something is less difficult in comparison.