not as difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not as difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare the difficulty level of two tasks or situations, indicating that one is easier than the other. Example: "This math problem is not as difficult as the one we solved yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But this issue is not as difficult as it seems.

The New York Times

Fortunately, this is not as difficult as it may sound.

The New York Times

This is not as difficult as some make out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Writing historical pastiche is not as difficult as it looks.

The New York Times - Books

But not as difficult as it might have been.

The Guardian - Sport

This task is not as difficult as one might think.

The New York Times

It's not as difficult as you might think.

Independent

But it's not as difficult as being locked out of your own life.

The Guardian

The dishes themselves are not as difficult to recreate as the context.

The New York Times - Magazine

Not as difficult, you sense, as living a life out of your father's shadow.

The Guardian - Sport

This custom is called dating and is not as difficult as you might imagine.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not as difficult" to provide a balanced perspective, suggesting that while something may present challenges, it's not insurmountable. This helps to manage expectations and encourage engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "not as difficult" when something is genuinely challenging. This can undermine credibility and frustrate your audience. Accurately represent the level of effort required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not as difficult" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to indicate that something is easier or less challenging compared to something else, either explicitly stated or implied. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

14%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not as difficult" is a versatile and commonly used comparative phrase. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and functions to temper expectations or offer reassurance by suggesting a task or situation is manageable. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, making it suitable for a range of communication styles. When using this phrase, ensure you accurately represent the level of effort involved to maintain credibility. Alternatives such as "less challenging" or "easier than expected" can be considered depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as complicated

Specifies that the task is less complex and intricate.

less challenging

Emphasizes a lower level of challenge or effort required.

easier than expected

Highlights that the task is simpler than anticipated.

less demanding

Indicates a reduced requirement for effort or resources.

not so hard

Uses more informal language to convey reduced difficulty.

not nearly as tough

Emphasizes a significant difference in the level of toughness.

simpler in comparison

Focuses on the relative simplicity between two things.

more manageable

Suggests that the task is easier to control and handle.

relatively straightforward

Highlights that the task is direct and uncomplicated in comparison.

plain sailing

Idiomatic expression indicating an effortless task.

FAQs

What does "not as difficult" mean?

The phrase "not as difficult" means that something is easier or less challenging than another thing or than it might initially appear. It suggests a comparative level of effort or complexity.

How can I use "not as difficult" in a sentence?

You can use "not as difficult" to compare the difficulty of two tasks or to reassure someone about the manageability of a task. For example, "Learning to code is "not as difficult" as it seems with the right resources."

What can I say instead of "not as difficult"?

Alternatives include "less challenging", "easier than expected", or "more manageable", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "not as difficult as" or "not so difficult as"?

"Not as difficult as" is the more common and natural phrasing. "Not so difficult as" is grammatically correct but less frequently used in contemporary English.