Use 'easily' when an action or task is performed with little to no difficulty or effort.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Means without difficulty or effort.
- Used to describe how something is done.
- Common in everyday conversation.
**Overview**
The word 'easily' is an adverb that modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. It signifies that something is done with little or no difficulty, effort, or complication. It's a common and versatile word used in everyday conversation to describe how tasks are performed or how situations unfold.
**Usage Patterns**
'Easily' typically follows the verb it modifies, especially in simple sentence structures. For example, 'She completed the test easily.' It can also come before an adjective or another adverb to intensify the sense of ease. For instance, 'The task was easily managed' or 'He spoke easily about his experiences.' It's often used in comparative and superlative contexts, such as 'This is the easiest way' or 'She learned faster than anyone else easily.'
**Common Contexts**
You'll hear 'easily' used in many everyday situations. When talking about completing a task, like 'He finished his homework easily.' When describing learning something new, such as 'The child learned to ride a bike easily.' It's also used to describe how something is understood or accepted, for example, 'The explanation was easily understood' or 'The proposal was easily accepted.' In sports or competitions, it might describe a victory, like 'Our team won easily.'
**Similar Words Comparison**
While 'easily' means without difficulty, other words offer slightly different nuances. 'Simply' suggests something is straightforward or uncomplicated, but not necessarily requiring no effort. 'Readily' implies willingness or quickness in addition to ease. 'Effortlessly' is a stronger synonym, emphasizing a complete lack of exertion, often implying skill. 'Smoothly' describes an action that proceeds without interruption or problems, focusing on the flow.
Examples
She completed the race easily, finishing far ahead of the others.
everydayElla completó la carrera fácilmente, terminando muy por delante de las demás.
The new software is designed to be easily navigable by users of all skill levels.
formalEl nuevo software está diseñado para ser fácilmente navegable por usuarios de todos los niveles de habilidad.
Don't worry, this part is pretty easy.
informalNo te preocupes, esta parte es bastante fácil.
The data can be easily accessed through the online portal.
academicLos datos se pueden acceder fácilmente a través del portal en línea.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
can easily be done
se puede hacer fácilmente
not easily discouraged
no se desanima fácilmente
a problem that can be easily solved
un problema que se puede resolver fácilmente
Often Confused With
'Easy' is an adjective and describes a noun (e.g., 'an easy test'). 'Easily' is an adverb and describes a verb, adjective, or another adverb (e.g., 'He passed the test easily'). You cannot use 'easily' to describe a noun.
'Ease' is primarily a noun, meaning a state of being free from difficulty or worry (e.g., 'He spoke with ease'). It can also be a verb meaning to make something less difficult (e.g., 'to ease the pain'). 'Easily' is the adverb form related to this concept.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
In everyday English, 'easily' is used frequently to describe tasks completed without struggle. It is generally neutral in register. Avoid using 'easily' where 'easy' (adjective) is required, such as before a noun. For instance, say 'an easy solution', not 'an easily solution'.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using 'easily' where the adjective 'easy' is needed, for example, saying 'This is easily done' instead of 'This is easy to do' or 'This is easily done' (where 'easily' modifies 'done'). Another error is confusing its placement; while it usually follows the verb, placing it very far from the verb can sometimes sound awkward.
Tips
Describe actions without effort
Use 'easily' when you want to say that a task was done without problems or much effort. It's a very common and useful adverb.
Don't confuse with 'easy'
Remember that 'easy' is an adjective and 'easily' is an adverb. Use 'easy' to describe things (e.g., 'an easy job') and 'easily' to describe actions (e.g., 'He did the job easily').
Expressing competence
Saying something was done 'easily' can sometimes imply skill or a high level of competence. It suggests the person or thing performing the action is very good at it.
Word Origin
The word 'easily' comes from the adjective 'easy', which originated from the Old French 'aisié', meaning 'at ease'. The '-ly' suffix was added to form the adverb.
Cultural Context
In many cultures, demonstrating competence by completing tasks 'easily' is often valued. It can imply skill, practice, or natural talent, suggesting that the person performing the action is highly capable.
Memory Tip
Think of 'easily' as describing something that happens 'like ease'. If something flows with ease, it happens easily. The '-ly' ending marks it as describing an action.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions'Easily' is an adverb. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to describe how something is done or its degree.
While it most commonly follows the verb, 'easily' can sometimes precede a verb, especially in more formal or literary contexts, or when emphasizing the ease of the action. For example, 'He easily persuaded them.'
'Easy' is an adjective, describing a noun (e.g., 'an easy task'). 'Easily' is an adverb, describing a verb, adjective, or another adverb (e.g., 'He completed the task easily').
You can say things like, 'She solved the puzzle easily,' or 'The door opened easily,' or 'This is the most easily accessible route.'
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
She speaks English very ____.
'Easily' is an adverb and modifies the verb 'speaks', describing how she speaks.
Select the sentence that uses 'easily' correctly.
Which sentence is correct?
Sentence 2 uses 'easily' correctly as an adverb modifying the verb 'opened'. Option 3 is also correct, using 'easily' to modify the superlative adjective phrase.
Arrange the words to form a grammatically correct sentence.
Arrange: can / this / solve / you / problem / this / easily
This sentence structure places the adverb 'easily' after the verb phrase 'solve this problem', which is a common and natural placement.
🎉 Score: /3
Summary
Use 'easily' when an action or task is performed with little to no difficulty or effort.
- Means without difficulty or effort.
- Used to describe how something is done.
- Common in everyday conversation.
Describe actions without effort
Use 'easily' when you want to say that a task was done without problems or much effort. It's a very common and useful adverb.
Don't confuse with 'easy'
Remember that 'easy' is an adjective and 'easily' is an adverb. Use 'easy' to describe things (e.g., 'an easy job') and 'easily' to describe actions (e.g., 'He did the job easily').
Expressing competence
Saying something was done 'easily' can sometimes imply skill or a high level of competence. It suggests the person or thing performing the action is very good at it.
Examples
4 of 4She completed the race easily, finishing far ahead of the others.
Ella completó la carrera fácilmente, terminando muy por delante de las demás.
The new software is designed to be easily navigable by users of all skill levels.
El nuevo software está diseñado para ser fácilmente navegable por usuarios de todos los niveles de habilidad.
Don't worry, this part is pretty easy.
No te preocupes, esta parte es bastante fácil.
The data can be easily accessed through the online portal.
Los datos se pueden acceder fácilmente a través del portal en línea.
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about
A1On the subject of; concerning something.
above
A2In a higher place than something or someone.
accident
A2An unfortunate event causing damage or injury.
action
A2The process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim.
after
A2Following in time or place; later than.
afterward
A2At a later or subsequent time.
again
A2Another time; once more.
aged
B1Of a specified age.
alive
A2Living, not dead.
all
A2The whole quantity or extent of something; every single one.