on the easy side

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the easy side" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is relatively simple or not very challenging compared to other options. Example: "This task is on the easy side, so I think we can finish it quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

That's enough to get you started, or maybe you found this one on the easy side.

The New York Times

SATURDAY'S PUZZLE — Just what a Saturday puzzle should be, if not a tad on the easy side.

The New York Times

One generation's virtuoso showpiece is often considered a bit on the easy side a generation or two later.

The New York Times - Arts

Suffice it to say that many of you said the puzzle was (relatively) straightforward and even on the easy side.

The Guardian

The runs are on the easy side of difficult, and there's plenty of off-piste if conditions warrant.

The Guardian - Travel

Some of them were on the easy side, and I was grateful for them because they allowed me entry into another sector of the grid.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

I moved on to the easier side of the court with the shade and I started hitting the ball better.

BBC

At present it is on the easier side of good to firm".

The Guardian - Sport

If not, her main legacy at Sterling Cooper could well be her patronage of Peggy – who lies slightly (only slightly) on the easier side of 21st century women's advancement.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"The Fed's inclination is on the easier side," asserted Raymond W. Stone, chief financial economist at Merrill Lynch Capital Markets, suggesting that recent data indicating sluggish growth has probably "disappointed" the central bank.

The New York Times

He followed the usual format for success at Troon, making four birdies on the easier front side, then holding his round together on the more difficult back nine.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on the easy side", ensure the context clearly establishes what you are comparing it to. For example, "Compared to advanced calculus, basic algebra is on the easy side".

Common error

Avoid using "on the easy side" without a clear point of comparison. It implies a spectrum of difficulty, so the context must provide a reference point. Without it, the statement becomes vague and potentially misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the easy side" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate the relative simplicity or lack of difficulty of something. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the easy side" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable expression used to describe something of lesser difficulty compared to something else. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's correct and usable in written English. It frequently appears in news and media contexts but maintains a neutral register suitable for various situations. While not the most frequent expression, it is valuable for quickly conveying a relative level of simplicity. Remember to provide a clear point of comparison when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not very difficult

A direct negation of difficulty.

fairly easy

Indicates an adequate level of ease.

not too challenging

Emphasizes the absence of significant difficulty.

on the simpler end

Specifies that something belongs to the less complex part of a spectrum.

on the manageable side

Indicates that something is easy to control or handle.

relatively straightforward

Focuses on the directness and lack of complexity.

slightly uncomplicated

Focuses on the absence of complex elements.

quite simple

Highlights the basic nature of something.

somewhat undemanding

Suggests that something does not require much effort.

rather elementary

Highlights the fundamental nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "on the easy side" in a sentence?

Use "on the easy side" to describe something that is less challenging compared to something else. For example, "This puzzle is "not too challenging", it's on the easy side".

What's a good substitute for "on the easy side"?

Alternatives include "relatively straightforward", "fairly easy", or "not very difficult", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "on the easier side" instead of "on the easy side"?

While "on the easier side" is grammatically correct, "on the easy side" is a more common and idiomatic expression. "On the easier side" directly implies a comparison, whereas "on the easy side" simply suggests a lack of difficulty.

What does it mean when something is described as "on the easy side"?

It means that the thing being described is considered to be relatively simple or less demanding than other comparable things. For example, a test might be described as "on the easy side" if most students found it "quite simple".