a hard case

USAGE SUMMARY

"a hard case" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a difficult situation or a stubborn person who is difficult to deal with. For example, "He's a hard case - you won't be able to change his mind no matter how hard you try."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a hard case.

The New Yorker

He's a hard case.

The Guardian - Music

It's a hard case to make.

The New York Times

This should not be a hard case.

The New York Times

Iraq was a hard case.

The New York Times - Books

She's a bit of a hard case.

The New York Times - Books

But that's a hard case to make.

The New York Times

This is not a hard case".

The New Yorker

"Car Wheels" is a hard case.

The New York Times - Arts

But it's a hard case to argue.

The New York Times

"I knew this would be a hard case," he said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical or DIY instructions, use the phrase to specify a rigid protective housing (e.g. for instruments or electronics) as opposed to a soft bag.

Common error

When writing formal reports, avoid using "a hard case" to describe an uncooperative person, as it may sound overly colloquial. Instead, use more precise terms like "uncooperative subject" or "recalcitrant individual" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hard case" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object in a sentence. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it often appears as a predicate nominative (e.g. "He is a hard case") to categorize a person or a situation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically standard and follows the adjective-modifier plus noun structure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

According to Ludwig AI, "a hard case" is a versatile and correct English phrase used across diverse contexts. It primarily functions in two ways: literally, to describe a rigid protective container, and figuratively, to describe a stubborn person or a difficult situation. Data from Ludwig shows a high concentration of usage in prestigious media outlets, which often employ the phrase to discuss complex legal precedents or resilient public figures. While common in journalism and instructional writing, it can lean toward the colloquial when describing people, so writers should ensure the tone matches their specific audience. Overall, it remains a robust and highly useful expression in modern English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tough case

Uses a synonym for hard to describe a difficult legal or medical situation

a difficult situation

A more formal and descriptive alternative for the figurative meaning

a stubborn person

Focuses specifically on the personality trait when used to describe an individual

a protective shell

Refers specifically to the physical meaning of a rigid container

a hard nut to crack

An idiomatic expression for a problem or person that is difficult to understand or influence

a rigid container

A technical description of the physical object

a complex matter

Elevates the register when discussing legal or intellectual challenges

a resilient individual

Provides a more positive connotation for a person who is hard to break

an arduous task

Shifts the focus to the effort required to solve the case

a solid casing

Used in engineering or manufacturing contexts for physical protection

FAQs

What does it mean to call someone "a hard case"?

Calling someone "a hard case" typically implies they are a "tough individual" who is difficult to influence, emotionally hardened or stubborn.

Can "a hard case" refer to a physical object?

Yes, it often refers to a "rigid protective cover" for items like cameras, musical instruments or glasses, as seen in many WikiHow guides.

Is "a hard case" formal enough for a legal document?

While it is used in legal theory (e.g. "hard cases make bad law"), it is better to use "complex litigation" or "difficult matter" in specific legal filings.

What is the difference between "a hard case" and "a tough case"?

There is very little difference; a "tough case" is a near-perfect synonym, though "hard case" is more frequently used to describe a person's character.