not so easy

USAGE SUMMARY

"not so easy" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You may use it to express that something is more difficult than expected. For example: "I thought the job would be easy, but it's not so easy after all."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not so easy.

Forbes

That's not so easy".

The New York Times

Is not so easy.

The New Yorker

It's not so easy.

The New York Times

Escape was not so easy.

The New Yorker

But it's not so easy.

The New York Times

Only it's not so easy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Now it's not so easy.

Independent

Or not so easy.

The New York Times

This is not so easy.

University of California, Berkeley

Unfortunately, it is not so easy.

Procedia Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not so easy", consider adding context to explain why something isn't easy. This provides more clarity and helps the audience understand the specific challenges involved.

Common error

Avoid relying on "not so easy" as a standalone statement. Without context, it can sound vague or dismissive. Always provide specifics to illustrate the difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not so easy" functions as a qualifier, softening a statement to indicate that something is more difficult or complex than it might initially appear. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase is used to temper expectations or highlight hidden challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

19%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not so easy" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is more challenging than it appears. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia, to temper expectations and highlight hidden complexities. While generally neutral in register, it's important to use it with context to avoid sounding vague. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "more challenging than anticipated". Overall, "not so easy" is a versatile phrase that effectively communicates a degree of difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more challenging than it seems

Emphasizes the unexpected difficulty, highlighting the discrepancy between initial perception and reality.

not as simple as it appears

Focuses on the deceptive simplicity of something, suggesting hidden complexities.

more complicated than expected

Highlights the presence of unforeseen complications that increase the difficulty.

it's harder than you think

Directly addresses the listener, warning them that the task is more difficult than they might assume.

not a walk in the park

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey that something is far from effortless or easy.

presents unexpected difficulties

Focuses on the emergence of unforeseen problems that make something challenging.

requires more effort than anticipated

Highlights that the task demands a greater level of exertion than initially predicted.

proves to be quite demanding

Indicates that something is taxing and requires significant effort to complete.

more involved than one might imagine

Suggests that something has a greater level of complexity and intricacy than initially perceived.

trickier than it looks

Highlights the deceptive nature of something that appears simple but is actually challenging.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not so easy" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "more challenging than anticipated", "presents unexpected difficulties", or "requires significant effort" depending on the context. These alternatives provide a similar meaning while maintaining a professional tone.

What are some alternatives to "not so easy" that emphasize unexpected difficulty?

Alternatives like "more complicated than expected", "harder than it looks", or "not as simple as it seems" can highlight the unexpected challenges involved in a situation.

Is "not so easy" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "not so easy" might be considered too informal for academic writing. Opt for more precise and formal language such as "presents considerable challenges" or "requires a nuanced approach" to maintain an appropriate tone.

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

You can use "not so easy" to express that something is more difficult than initially perceived. For example, "Solving this problem is not so easy without the proper tools" or "Implementing this new policy is not so easy given the current regulations".