a hard argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hard argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong or compelling case made in a discussion or debate. Example: "In her essay, she presented a hard argument for the necessity of renewable energy sources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

It is a hard argument to fault.

The New York Times

That's a hard argument to refute.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's a hard argument to refute.

The New York Times

For some, that is a hard argument to make.

The Guardian - Business

But it may be a hard argument to win.

The New York Times

So it's a hard argument to win, no matter how you frame it.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

It's a harder argument to make, but not that much harder, in my view.

The New York Times

"That's a harder argument to make with something like diapers or orange juice".

The New York Times

This was a harder argument to make, since it is — and to people like Glenn Beck remains — counter-intuitive.

The New Yorker

But if growth remains elusive, if Britain does enter a triple-dip recession and loses its cherished AAA credit rating in the new year – both of which are highly possible – that will become a harder argument to make.

The Guardian

It is true that it has a harder argument to make now, which is one explanation for the trend over the past 20 years for the party to develop a wider range of policies that place it more broadly on the green left.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a hard argument", ensure that the context clearly indicates why the argument is difficult – is it due to lack of evidence, opposing viewpoints, or complexity of the issue?

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a hard argument" implies unethical or manipulative tactics. It simply indicates a challenging or difficult point to argue, not necessarily a morally questionable one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hard argument" functions as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject complement, direct object, or object of a preposition. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness, exemplified by various sentences in reputable sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a hard argument" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, particularly within news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively describes an argument that is challenging to make, defend, or refute. While alternatives like "a difficult argument" or "a tough argument" exist, "a hard argument" provides a clear and direct way to convey the difficulty or strength of a particular viewpoint. When employing this phrase, writers should ensure the context clarifies the reasons behind the argument's challenging nature, avoiding any unintended implication of unethical tactics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult argument

Replaces "hard" with "difficult", maintaining the core meaning of the argument being challenging to make.

a tough argument

Substitutes "hard" with "tough", suggesting a challenging or resilient argument.

a challenging argument

Replaces "hard" with "challenging", emphasizing the demanding nature of the argument.

a demanding argument

Substitutes "hard" with "demanding", highlighting the effort required to present the argument effectively.

a formidable argument

Replaces "hard" with "formidable", indicating a strong and potentially overwhelming argument.

a compelling argument

Shifts the focus to the persuasive power of the argument, rather than its difficulty.

a convincing argument

Similar to "compelling argument", this highlights the argument's ability to persuade.

a persuasive argument

Synonymous with "convincing argument", emphasizing the persuasive quality.

an uphill battle

Uses an idiomatic expression to describe the difficulty in making the argument.

a Herculean task

Emphasizes the immense difficulty of the argument using a hyperbolic comparison.

FAQs

How can I use "a hard argument" in a sentence?

You can use "a hard argument" to describe a viewpoint that is difficult to defend or prove. For example: "It's "a hard argument" to make given the current data."

What are some alternatives to saying "a hard argument"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a difficult argument", "a challenging argument", or "a tough argument".

Is it more appropriate to say "a hard argument" or "a difficult argument"?

Both "a hard argument" and "a difficult argument" are correct and largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What does it mean when someone describes a statement as "a hard argument to refute"?

When someone says an argument is "a hard argument to refute", it means the argument is very convincing or well-supported, making it difficult to disprove or counter.