How to use the words... 'Easy' and 'Hard' - Learn English with Mr Duncan

Here are two words that serve as opposites to each other,

and are often referred to when discussing the things

we have to face in our day to day lives.

The simple things and the complex things.

The things that seem to come without any effort,

and the things that seem almost impossible to achieve.

Today we will look at the words ‘easy’ and ‘hard’.

First of all, the word ‘easy’ names the state of calmness and simplicity.

An easy thing requires very little effort.

It can express the feelings of calmness and relaxation.

An easy morning, an easy journey,

a relaxing moment of time can also be described as ‘easy’.

A simple task that requires very little effort can be described as ‘easy’.

The task you are doing is easy to do.

A person can be described as ‘easy-going’.

That particular person has a calm, easy manner

and is good to get along with.

They have a pleasant character.

They are easy going.

As a phrase, you might go easy on someone,

which means not to be harsh or aggressive when giving out punishment,

“As this is your first offence, I will go easy on you this time.”

You might give someone an easy ride

if you are treating them in a more kindly way than you normally would.

The teacher gave you an easy ride

because you are his favourite student.

A test or exam might be described as being easy.

The questions were not difficult.

In fact, they were very easy.

A job which requires very little skill or ability might be described as ‘easy’.

“This job is so easy, I could do it with my eyes closed.”

A pleasant sound might be described as being easy on the ear.

For example, a nice gentle song or a soothing melody can be described as being easy on the ear.

Synonyms of ‘easy’ include...

Basic, Calm. Serene. Simple, Straightforward. Rudimentary,

Trouble free, Uncomplicated. Undemanding.

It is a breeze. It's a cinch.

It's no effort.

No effort is needed.

It's as easy as pie.

Now we come to the opposite word of easy.

This word can be used in more than one way

and can mean many different things.

The word is ‘hard’.

First of all, the word hard can be used to describe the texture

or the feeling of a certain type of material.

As an adjective,

the word ‘hard’ relates to how solid something feels to the touch.

For example, you might have a hard surface such as a wooden floor.

A difficult period of time could also be described as ‘hard’.

Also, as an adjective,

we can use the word hard as a direct opposite to easy.

Something is easy to do.

Something is hard to do.

A difficult task or something that is beyond your capability, can be described as being ‘hard’.

A certain type of test or exam that is not easy to complete

can be described as ‘hard’.

“That English test was so hard I think I must have failed it.”

Something that is not easy to achieve can be described as being ‘hard’, or ‘hard to get’.

You might have a hard time getting something.

This means it is necessary for you to work hard

or simply be patient before something can be achieved or received.

“It is hard waiting for the reply to my job application.”

A difficult period of time can be described as ‘hard’.

You might have a hard day at work.

Your boss might give you a hard time

because you were late for work again.

If someone gives you a hard time,

it means they are treating you harshly in a mean and cruel way.

“My boss gave me a hard time at work today for being late again.”

A person who appears tough

and strong-willed might be described as being ‘hard’.

“I wouldn't pick a fight with him, he's the local hard man.”

The force used to push or hit something can be described as ‘hard’.

“To start the car, you have to give it a hard push.”

“The horse gave me a hard kick.”

An unemotional person might also be described as ‘hard’,

especially if they never show any caring emotions or consideration for others.

“She didn't cry at the funeral, I never knew she was so hard.”

To have an unkind or harsh character might lead someone to being described as ‘hard headed’ or ‘hard nosed’.

When we are talking about how difficult something is, the opposite of ‘hard’ is ‘easy’.

A hard exam. An easy test.

When we are talking about the texture, or the feeling of the surface of something,

then the opposite is soft.

A hard floor. A soft carpet.

Synonyms of hard include... Complicated, Challenging, Difficult, Firm. Powerful,

solid, stiff, strong, tough.

So to summarise...

Easy is pleasant. Relaxed. Simple. Straightforward. Not difficult. ‘A piece of cake’.

Hard is confusing. Difficult. Firm. Taxing. Tough. Solid. Strenuous. Unanswerable... Not easy.