Someone asks how the test, the new job or the flat-pack wardrobe went. "Very easy" or "very difficult" works, but it tells people almost nothing.
Way 1 · best default
Not easy, but you can do it. There's one awkward part you need to be careful with.
Examples
The first step is fine, but the second one's a bit tricky.
It's a bit tricky to find the entrance, so I'll meet you outside.
In a conversation
A: How do I get the photos off my phone?
B: It's a bit tricky the first time. I'll show you.
Way 2 · really easy
So easy you didn't even worry about it. Friendly and a bit pleased with yourself.
Examples
Don't worry about the driving test. It's a piece of cake if you've practised.
Honestly, the interview was a piece of cake.
In a conversation
A: Can you really fix the wifi yourself?
B: Sure, it's a piece of cake. Just turn it off and on again.
Way 3 · work-safe easy
Simple and clear, with no surprises. Sounds calm and professional.
Examples
The expense form is pretty straightforward. It only takes five minutes.
Getting there is pretty straightforward: it's one bus from the station.
Way 4 · surprisingly hard
It seems simple from the outside, but when you try it, it isn't.
Examples
Making good rice is harder than it looks.
Try it yourself. It's harder than it looks, believe me.
In a conversation
A: Surfing looks so easy on videos.
B: Ha, it's much harder than it looks. I spent the whole day falling off.
Way 5 · hard every day
Hard work that doesn't go away. You're doing it, but it takes a lot of effort.
Examples
Getting up at six every morning is a real struggle.
Finding a flat in this city is a real struggle at the moment.
Common mistake
Not: I am difficult to find a job.
Say: Finding a job is a real struggle.
"I'm difficult" means you're a difficult person! Make the task the subject: "Finding a job is hard."
Way 6 · very hard, annoying
Very hard and stressful, often because things keep going wrong.
Examples
Parking round here is a nightmare after six.
The visa process was a nightmare. I had to go back three times.
Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.
What a translation app gives you, and what people actually say.
Not: The exam was very easy, but the speaking was very difficult.
Say: The exam was pretty straightforward, but the speaking was a real struggle.
"Very" for everything makes it all sound the same. Pick a phrase that shows exactly how easy or hard it was.
Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.
