was easy to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was easy to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something that could be done without difficulty. For example, "Putting the puzzle together was easy to do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Generosity was easy to find.

The New York Times - Travel

"It was easy to learn".

The New York Times

"It was easy to walk.

The New Yorker

That was easy to cure.

The New Yorker

"It was easy to sell.

The New York Times

Oh, and it was easy to pronounce.

The New York Times

It was easy to use, too.

The New York Times

He was easy to get along with.

The New York Times

It was easy to see that T.C.U.

The New York Times - Sports

The bread was easy to accept.

The New York Times

It was easy to understand why.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was easy to" when you want to clearly convey that something did not require much effort or skill. It is suitable for describing processes, tasks, or situations that presented minimal challenges.

Common error

While "was easy to" is perfectly acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "presented no significant difficulty" or "required minimal effort" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was easy to" functions as an adjective phrase describing a past action or state. It indicates that something presented little or no difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was easy to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for indicating that something presented minimal difficulty in the past. As Ludwig AI points out, it's commonly found in news and media, serving to clearly and simply convey the lack of challenge associated with an action or situation. While suitable for many contexts, writers should consider more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings to maintain an appropriate tone. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register, you can effectively incorporate "was easy to" into your writing. It is a common phrase with a great presence in everyday communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was simple to

Directly states the lack of complexity in performing the action.

involved minimal effort

Focuses on the small amount of work or exertion required.

did not require much effort

Emphasizes that only a small amount of effort was needed.

presented no difficulty

Emphasizes the absence of any obstacles or challenges encountered.

posed little challenge

Highlights that the task or situation required minimal effort or skill.

required little skill

Indicates that the task could be accomplished without specialized knowledge or talent.

was straightforward

Suggests the process or task followed a direct and uncomplicated path.

was undemanding

Implies that the task placed few requirements or burdens on the individual.

was a breeze

Idiomatic expression indicating the ease and speed with which something was accomplished.

offered no resistance

Highlights the absence of opposition or difficulty in achieving a result.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "was easy to"?

You can use alternatives like "presented no difficulty", "involved minimal effort", or "was simple to" depending on the context.

How can I use "was easy to" in a sentence?

You can use "was easy to" to describe tasks, processes, or situations. For example, "The instructions were so clear that assembling the furniture was easy to do."

Is "was easy to" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "was easy to" might sound too informal for certain academic or professional contexts. Consider using more sophisticated alternatives to maintain a formal tone.

What's the difference between "was easy to" and "is easy to"?

"Was easy to" refers to something that happened in the past, while "is easy to" refers to something that is currently simple or effortless. For instance, "Learning to ride a bike was easy to do once I got the hang of it," versus "This app is easy to use."