Home » Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

A Way with Words, a radio show and podcast about language and linguistics.

Discussion Forum (Archived)

Please consider registering
Guest
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Min search length: 3 characters / Max search length: 84 characters
The forums are currently locked and only available for read only access
sp_TopicIcon
Grammar for : It is easier said than done
Guest
1
2011/10/27 - 7:28pm

Hello,

I am new at this forum. Can someone help me with this idiom: It is easier said than done. What is the full version of this sentence?

Guest
2
2011/10/28 - 4:04am

Welcome.

The idiom, "It is easier said than done," is the full version. The sentence structure is not too unusual. It is the use of said alone as a predicate past participle that makes it a bit odd. But it is not the only use of said as a predicate. Consider the opposing idiom "No sooner said than done."

This idiom has the same structure as this comparison:
This shirt is more blue than green.
You could also exchange the simple adjectives for predicate past participles:
Champagne is better sipped than gulped.

If you are struggling with the meaning of the idiom, it can be paraphrased as "It is easier to describe a result than to achieve it."

Forum Timezone: UTC -7
Show Stats
Administrators:
Martha Barnette
Grant Barrett
Moderators:
Grant Barrett
Top Posters:
Newest Members:
A Conversation with Dr Astein Osei
Forum Stats:
Groups: 1
Forums: 1
Topics: 3647
Posts: 18912

 

Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 618
Members: 1268
Moderators: 1
Admins: 2
Most Users Ever Online: 1147
Currently Online:
Guest(s) 130
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)

Recent posts