not easy

USAGE SUMMARY

'not easy' is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it in any situation where you want to express the idea of something being difficult or challenging. For example, "Learning a foreign language is not easy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not easy.

The New York Times

Sometimes that's not easy.

The New York Times

It's certainly not easy".

The New York Times

"Not easy," he said.

The New York Times

Not easy to do.

The New York Times - Science

Not easy to organize.

The New York Times - Arts

Not easy at all.

The New York Times

It is not easy.

The New York Times

"This was not easy.

The New York Times

"It's not easy".

The New York Times

"Simple is not easy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not easy" to convey a sense of realism and avoid oversimplifying complex situations. For example, instead of saying "The project will be completed quickly", consider "Completing the project on time will not be easy, but it is achievable with dedication."

Common error

Avoid using "not easy" when the difficulty is self-evident or trivial. For example, saying "Breathing underwater is not easy" adds little value. Instead, reserve the phrase for situations where the challenge might not be immediately apparent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not easy" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, describing its quality or characteristic. It typically expresses that a particular task, situation, or process requires significant effort, skill, or perseverance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

18%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not easy" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something requires significant effort or presents considerable challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It functions as an adjectival phrase, is appropriate for a neutral register, and finds frequent use in News & Media and Academic contexts. While direct synonyms like "difficult" and "challenging" exist, "not easy" offers a slightly more nuanced and understated way to convey complexity. Remember to use "not easy" in appropriate contexts and avoid overuse in overly simplistic situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging

This alternative directly replaces "not easy" with a single word indicating difficulty.

difficult

A straightforward synonym for "not easy", denoting a high degree of effort required.

tough

An informal way to describe something that is "not easy".

requires effort

Emphasizes the need for dedication and hard work.

arduous

Implies a task that is not only difficult but also strenuous and demanding.

laborious

Suggests a task requires significant effort and time.

demanding

Focuses on the high requirements and expectations of a task.

no walk in the park

An idiomatic expression meaning something is far from simple or effortless.

complicated

Highlights the intricate nature of the task rather than just the effort required.

formidable

Describes something intimidating due to its difficulty.

FAQs

What does "not easy" mean?

The phrase "not easy" means that something requires considerable effort, skill, or perseverance to accomplish. It indicates a task or situation presents significant challenges.

How can I use "not easy" in a sentence?

You can use "not easy" to describe a task, situation, or experience. For example: "Learning to play the guitar is "not easy", but it is rewarding."

What are some alternatives to saying "not easy"?

Alternatives include "difficult", "challenging", "arduous", or "tough", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it is not easy" or "it's not easy"?

Both "it is not easy" and "it's not easy" are grammatically correct and widely used. "It's not easy" is more informal due to the contraction, while "it is not easy" is slightly more formal. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.