Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
wasn't easy
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(20)
presented considerable difficulty
required significant effort
was quite challenging
was rather demanding
required considerable effort
proved to be quite a struggle
was a significant undertaking
demanded significant effort
presented a formidable challenge
set a high bar
was plenty tough
felt demanding
was a difficult endeavor
was no easy feat
involved substantial labor
was a challenging procedure
was a demanding undertaking
demanded significant work
was no simple task
was quite a challenge
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
59 human-written examples
And he wasn't easy.
News & Media
It definitely wasn't easy.
News & Media
Finding her wasn't easy.
News & Media
But that wasn't easy.
News & Media
My reinvention wasn't easy.
News & Media
That wasn't easy either.
News & Media
It wasn't easy.
News & Media
It wasn't easy, though.
News & Media
This wasn't easy.
News & Media
It wasn't easy viewing.
News & Media
It wasn't easy material.
News & Media
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.
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.
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.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
was quite challenging
Emphasizes the level of difficulty involved.
was no walk in the park
An idiomatic expression highlighting the difficulty.
presented considerable difficulty
More formal way to express the presence of significant obstacles.
was rather demanding
Highlights the effort and resources required.
required significant effort
Focuses on the amount of work needed.
was fraught with challenges
Emphasizes the numerous obstacles encountered.
was an uphill battle
Highlights the struggle and resistance faced.
was a tough undertaking
Emphasizes the difficulty and scope of the task.
involved a great deal of hardship
Focuses on the suffering and adversity experienced.
posed a significant hurdle
Highlights the obstacles that needed to be overcome.
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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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
91%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested