Easy vs. facile

English as a Second Language English Teacher Explanations (ESL Tests)
1

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #98 [color=blue]“Student Teacher Dialogue (1)”, question 4

Yes, that’s … for you to say.

(a) facile
(b) straight
(c) easy
(d) interesting

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #98 [color=blue]“Student Teacher Dialogue (1)”, answer 4

Yes, that’s easy for you to say.

Correct answer: (c) easy

Your answer was: [color=red]incorrect
Yes, that’s facile for you to say.
[size=200]_________________________[/size]

Dear Sir

why not “facile” here

thanks a lot in advance

Stone

2

Hi Christina328,

The expression: That’s easy for you to say is an accepted response when you are saying that someone else obviously knows better than you. Facile has more the sense of easily performed almost without effort. You would describe someone’s attitude as facile if they give the impression they can do something requiring no effort and also without much thought. A facile comment is easy to say but has no depth.

Alan