not easy to read

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'not easy to read' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a text or written material that is difficult to understand or interpret. Example: The student found the textbook on quantum physics to be not easy to read.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

The play was not easy to read.

The Guardian

"Survival or Hegemony" is not easy to read.

The New York Times - Books

Truth be told, it's not easy to read Ms. Larkin's poetry, period.

The New York Times

Martens admits that his books are not easy to read, requiring analysis by the reader.

The New York Times - Arts

It's not easy to read Kerry Larkin's poetry without feeling the tug of the natural world.

The New York Times

Besides, Hogg's life is not easy to read or relate conventionally.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

There had been many such horrifying scenes; they weren't easy to read about.

Independent

The madness book isn't easy to read, I know, but I find it quite hopeful.

The Guardian

It wasn't easy to read "Summer of the Gypsy Moths" while living with an 11-year-old whose first literary love was the "Clementine" series, also written by Sara Pennypacker.

The New York Times - Books

(Ages 10 and up) WITH all the hoopla surrounding the publication of "Eragon" and its 19-year-old author, Christopher Paolini, it isn't easy to read this first novel "plain" -- that is, without preconceptions.

The New York Times - Books

Now that ain't easy to read, and a lot of those drawers appear to have been shaken around.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing why something is "not easy to read", be specific. Instead of simply stating that a document is "not easy to read", explain whether this is due to complex language, poor formatting, or confusing organization.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice when describing why something is "not easy to read". Instead of saying "The report was made not easy to read by the complex jargon", use active voice: "The complex jargon made the report not easy to read."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not easy to read" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun (often a document, book, or text). It describes the characteristic of something being difficult to understand or comprehend. Ludwig AI confirms its general acceptance in the English language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not easy to read" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe text that is difficult to understand. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is widely accepted in English. It functions as an adjective phrase, expressing a challenge in comprehension across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, being specific about why something is "not easy to read" enhances clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "difficult to understand" offer similar meanings, with nuances suiting various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging to read

Highlights the demanding nature of the reading experience.

difficult to understand

Focuses more on comprehension than the act of reading itself.

hard to follow

Emphasizes the challenge in tracing the logic or narrative.

not readily comprehensible

A more formal way of saying something is difficult to understand quickly.

requires careful reading

Highlights the need for focused attention and effort.

demands close attention

Similar to 'requires careful reading' but emphasizes attentiveness.

dense and convoluted

Describes the complexity and intricate nature of the text.

opaque

Implies a lack of clarity and transparency in the writing.

obscure in meaning

Focuses on the ambiguity and lack of clarity in the text's message.

impenetrable

Suggests a complete inability to understand the text.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "not easy to read"?

It means the text is challenging to understand or follow, possibly due to complex language, poor structure, or dense content. Alternatives include "difficult to understand" or "hard to follow".

What factors can make a document "not easy to read"?

Factors include complex vocabulary, jargon, poor formatting, lack of clear organization, and abstract concepts. Addressing these issues can improve readability.

How can I make my writing less "not easy to read"?

Use clear and concise language, organize your ideas logically, break up long paragraphs, and use headings and subheadings to guide the reader. Consider also using visuals to enhance understanding.

Is "not easy to read" the same as "difficult to read"?

Yes, "not easy to read" and "difficult to read" are largely synonymous. Both indicate a challenge in comprehending the written material. The choice between them often depends on personal preference and the specific context.