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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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wasn't easy

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And he wasn't easy.

News & Media

Independent

It definitely wasn't easy.

Finding her wasn't easy.

But that wasn't easy.

My reinvention wasn't easy.

News & Media

The New York Times

That wasn't easy either.

News & Media

The New York Times

It wasn't easy.

News & Media

The New York Times

It wasn't easy, though.

This wasn't easy.

News & Media

The New York Times

It wasn't easy viewing.

It wasn't easy material.

News & Media

The New Yorker
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wasn't easy" to honestly represent situations where obstacles or difficulties were present. This phrase can add authenticity and relatability to your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying on "wasn't easy" as a default description. Instead, provide specific details about the challenges faced to create a more vivid and engaging narrative.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

91%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wasn't easy" functions as an adjective phrase, typically used to describe a situation, task, or experience that presented challenges and required significant effort. As Ludwig showcases, it conveys that something required determination and perseverance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wasn't easy" is a common and versatile expression used to convey that something required significant effort and faced considerable challenges. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's grammatically straightforward and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it adds authenticity to narratives and helps readers understand the effort involved in a particular situation. To enhance writing, avoid overuse and provide specific details about the challenges encountered. Overall, "wasn't easy" is a valuable tool for expressing difficulty and acknowledging perseverance.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "wasn't easy"?

When something "wasn't easy", it means that it required a significant amount of effort, skill, or perseverance to achieve. It implies the presence of obstacles or challenges that made the task difficult.

How can I rephrase "wasn't easy" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you could use phrases such as "presented considerable difficulty" or "required significant effort". These options convey the same meaning but in a more professional tone.

What are some common situations where you might say something "wasn't easy"?

You might say something "wasn't easy" when describing a challenging project, a difficult decision, or a personal struggle. It's often used to acknowledge the effort and perseverance required to overcome obstacles.

Is there a difference between saying something "wasn't easy" and saying it was "difficult"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "wasn't easy" can sometimes imply a broader range of challenges and efforts. "Difficult" is a more direct statement of the level of complexity, while "wasn't easy" might encompass emotional or situational factors as well.

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Source & Trust

91%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: