The words "easy" and "simple" are often confused, but they have distinct meanings. Something that is "easy" is not difficult to do; it requires little effort. Something that is "simple" is not complex; it has few parts or elements. Think of it this way: an easy task might still have many steps, but those steps are straightforward. A simple task, on the other hand, might have only a few steps, but those steps could still be challenging.

Let's look at some examples:

• Easy: "The exam was easy." (Meaning: The exam did not require much effort to pass.)

• Simple: "The instructions were simple." (Meaning: The instructions were straightforward and easy to understand, not complicated.)

• Easy: "It's easy to make a sandwich." (Meaning: Making a sandwich requires little effort.)

• Simple: "The design of the chair was simple." (Meaning: The chair didn't have many parts or complex features.)

• Easy: "She found it easy to learn Spanish." (Meaning: Learning Spanish didn't require much effort for her.)

• Simple: "The explanation was simple and clear." (Meaning: The explanation was easy to understand because it wasn't complicated or confusing.)

Sometimes, "easy" and "simple" can be used interchangeably, but paying attention to the nuance will improve your English. Consider what aspect you want to emphasize—the lack of effort or the lack of complexity—when choosing between these two words.

Happy learning!