no easy task

USAGE SUMMARY

'no easy task' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is difficult or complicated to do. For example, "Writing a novel is no easy task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

No easy task, this.

The New York Times - Travel

That was no easy task.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is no easy task.

The New York Times

It was no easy task.

The Economist

That is no easy task".

The New York Times

This proves no easy task.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It will be no easy task.

The Economist

Normal maintenance is no easy task, though.

The New York Times

Admittedly, this is no easy task.

The Economist

That may be no easy task.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But this is no easy task.

Cognition and Emotion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "no easy task" to introduce a statement that explains the difficulties involved in a situation. This sets expectations and adds context to the discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "no easy task" when describing trivial matters. Its impact is lessened if applied to tasks that are clearly simple or routine; reserve it for situations with genuine difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "no easy task" functions as a subject complement or an adjectival phrase that describes a noun or gerund. It signifies that a particular activity or situation is difficult and requires considerable effort. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is both correct and widely applicable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "no easy task" is a versatile phrase used to convey that something is challenging or difficult. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Analysis of example sentences indicates that it appears most frequently in news and media, followed by science and business contexts. Related phrases include ""not a walk in the park"" and ""challenging endeavor"", providing alternative options based on formality and emphasis. When using "no easy task", ensure the context warrants highlighting the difficulty, and avoid using it for trivial matters to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not a walk in the park

This idiom is less formal and implies the task is unexpectedly difficult.

not a piece of cake

Informal idiom expressing that a task requires significant effort.

far from simple

Highlights the complexity of the task directly.

challenging endeavor

More formal, emphasizing the demanding nature of the undertaking.

difficult undertaking

Similar to "challenging endeavor" but slightly less emphatic.

formidable challenge

Emphasizes the significant obstacles involved.

onerous undertaking

Suggests the task is burdensome and requires substantial effort.

laborious process

Focuses on the effort required throughout the task.

tough assignment

A straightforward alternative, often used in professional contexts.

demanding job

Highlights the high level of effort and skill required.

FAQs

How can I use "no easy task" in a sentence?

"No easy task" typically precedes a noun or gerund phrase that explains the challenge. For example, "Convincing the board was "no easy task"." or "Getting everyone to agree is "no easy task"."

What are some alternatives to "no easy task"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "not a walk in the park", "challenging endeavor", or "difficult undertaking". The best choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to say "not an easy task" instead of "no easy task"?

Both "no easy task" and "not an easy task" are grammatically correct, though "no easy task" is more common and idiomatic. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific context.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "no easy task"?

It's best to avoid using "no easy task" when the difficulty is self-evident or when describing a task that is generally considered simple. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound less precise.