not easily done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not easily done" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a task or action that is challenging or requires significant effort to accomplish. Example: "While the project seemed straightforward, it was not easily done due to unforeseen complications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

But that's not easily done.

MIT Technology Review

This was not easily done.

The New Yorker

At 4D, that's not easily done.

The New York Times - Style

This is not easily done from a skyscraper in Manhattan.

The Economist

That's having it both ways, and it's not easily done.

The New York Times - Arts

But getting out of this system is not easily done.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

That is something he could not easily do while continuing to boycott the Palestinians' elected leader.

The Economist

Which wasn't easily done!

Vice

I think you can't easily do both.

The New York Times

But it turns out that you can't easily do such searches in Google any more.

TechCrunch

That's not so easily done.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not easily done", consider the context to determine if a more specific synonym might provide greater clarity or impact. For example, instead of saying "solving this problem is not easily done", you might say "solving this problem requires a multidisciplinary approach".

Common error

Avoid using "not easily done" in excessively passive constructions, which can make your writing sound weak or indirect. For example, instead of "The task was not easily done by the team", consider "The team found the task challenging" to create a more direct and engaging sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not easily done" functions as an adverbial modifier, describing the manner in which an action is performed or a task is accomplished. It indicates that the action is carried out with difficulty or requires significant effort. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not easily done" serves as a versatile adverbial modifier, communicating that an action or task is challenging or requires substantial effort. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific publications. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "not easily done", consider whether more specific synonyms might provide greater clarity and impact. By avoiding passive voice constructions and choosing precise vocabulary, writers can effectively convey the intended meaning and enhance the overall quality of their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to achieve

Emphasizes the difficulty in reaching a particular goal.

hard to accomplish

Highlights the effort required for completion.

challenging to execute

Focuses on the demanding nature of the implementation.

not a simple task

Indicates that the task requires more than basic effort.

requires significant effort

Stresses the amount of work necessary.

presents considerable difficulty

Highlights the substantial challenges involved.

demands careful planning

Underscores the need for thorough preparation.

not straightforward

Indicates complexity or indirectness.

involves a steep learning curve

Highlights the need to acquire new skills quickly.

is fraught with obstacles

Emphasizes the numerous problems to overcome.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "not easily done"?

You can use alternatives like "difficult to achieve", "hard to accomplish", or "challenging to execute" depending on the context.

How do I use "not easily done" in a sentence?

The phrase "not easily done" is typically used to describe a task or action that is difficult or requires significant effort. For example, "Reaching a consensus was not easily done given the differing opinions."

Is "not easily done" formal or informal?

The phrase "not easily done" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "difficult to achieve" might be preferred in certain professional settings.

Which is correct, "not easily done" or "not easy to do"?

Both "not easily done" and "not easy to do" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on stylistic preference. "Not easily done" might sound slightly more formal or emphatic.