not that difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

"not that difficult" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is not particularly challenging or difficult. For example: "Building a website is not that difficult - it just takes time and patience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Finding sponsors was not that difficult, either, given the influence of the churches in the community.

The New York Times

The magnitude of the friction force is usually not that difficult to determine.

Petroleum Science

Singh: It was not that difficult, which is the great part of being at 7-Eleven.

Forbes

We knew it would be difficult to beat him but maybe not that difficult.

BBC

It proved to be not that difficult a task.

Vice

It's not that difficult.

Forbes

"Not that difficult".

The New York Times - Books

It was not that difficult.

The New York Times

Well, not that difficult.

The New Yorker

It's not that difficult a call.

The New York Times

But it's really not that difficult.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not that difficult" to reassure someone about the feasibility of a task or concept. It's a way of saying something is achievable without significant struggle.

Common error

Avoid using "not that difficult" when the task genuinely requires expertise or significant effort. Misleading someone about the true complexity can damage credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not that difficult" functions as an adjective phrase modifying an implied noun (e.g., task, problem, situation). It serves to qualify the degree of difficulty, indicating it is less than expected. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not that difficult" is a versatile adjective phrase used to convey that a task or concept is manageable and doesn't require excessive effort. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives like "not overly challenging" in professional settings. The phrase is commonly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, making it a useful addition to your vocabulary for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not overly challenging

Emphasizes a lack of significant challenge.

relatively straightforward

Highlights the simplicity and ease of understanding or execution.

quite manageable

Suggests the task is easily controlled or handled.

not particularly complex

Focuses on the absence of intricate or complicated elements.

reasonably simple

Indicates a basic and uncomplicated nature.

not exceptionally hard

Highlights that it's not extremely difficult.

fairly easy

Implies a good level of ease compared to expectations.

moderately uncomplicated

Suggests a limited degree of complexity.

not all that taxing

Emphasizes that it doesn't require much effort or energy.

somewhat undemanding

Highlights the low level of required effort or skill.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not that difficult"?

Consider using alternatives like "relatively straightforward", "quite manageable", or "reasonably simple" to express varying degrees of ease.

Is it okay to use "not that difficult" in formal writing?

While acceptable, "not that difficult" can sound informal. In formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "not overly challenging" or "not particularly complex" for a more professional tone.

What does "not that difficult" imply?

The phrase implies that a task or concept is achievable without significant effort or specialized skills. It suggests a level of ease that makes something accessible to a wide range of people.

When should I avoid using "not that difficult"?

Avoid using "not that difficult" when a task truly demands significant expertise or effort. Overstating simplicity can be misleading and undermine your credibility.