a hard conclusion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hard conclusion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a conclusion that is firm, definitive, or difficult to refute. Example: "After analyzing all the data, we reached a hard conclusion that the project was not viable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

At 7-63 -- with a chance to succeed the 9-73 Philadelphia 76ers of 1972-73 as the most futile team in N.B.A. history -- that is a hard conclusion to avoid.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, there are too few women on the list to draw a hard conclusion.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Although, we admittedly don't have enough good data on cleantech exits to make any hard conclusions.

TechCrunch

All this analysis is necessarily based on incomplete information, however, so it's difficult to draw any hard conclusions.

TechCrunch

It's hard to draw any hard conclusions from this, but the primary use of barcode scanning is for price checking, so perhaps Android users are more actively using devices for shopping help.

TechCrunch

Our estimated models do not allow us to draw any hard conclusions on the distinction between coordinated and unilateral effects.

European Journal of Health Economics

So, again, it is hard to make a strong conclusion.

Biology Direct

And the hard conclusion is that there is no one root cause that we can deal with in a finite time scale.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet as we survey the ever-changing, perpetually dysfunctional Knicks landscape, it is hard not to draw one hard conclusion: It's the end of Linsanity as we know it.

The New York Times - Sports

11 However, more cases need to be analyzed before hard conclusion regarding age range, histologic spectrum, behavior, and prognosis of this rare variant can be made.

American Journal of Surgical Pathology

It's a hard-won conclusion, which suggests that finally, after years of being haunted by the horrors of his childhood, after decades of feeling trapped in a cycle of anger and hurt, Patrick — an orphan now — has, at last, found a measure of safety, freedom and liberation from the past.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hard conclusion" when you want to emphasize the difficulty or reluctance in arriving at a particular judgment or understanding. For instance, "After reviewing all the evidence, we reached a hard conclusion: the project had failed."

Common error

Avoid using "a hard conclusion" when you simply mean a complex conclusion. "Hard" in this context implies something more than just difficult; it suggests an unwelcome truth or a reluctantly accepted outcome. For instance, avoid saying "The math problem led to a hard conclusion," when "complex conclusion" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hard conclusion" functions as a noun phrase, where 'hard' modifies the noun 'conclusion'. It typically serves as the object of a verb, such as 'reach', 'draw', or 'come to'. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a hard conclusion" signifies a judgment or understanding that is difficult to accept, often because it reveals an unpleasant truth or challenges existing beliefs. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in writing. While the phrase appears less frequently than other similar expressions, it's appropriate when you wish to emphasize the difficulty and reluctance in reaching a particular conclusion. Ludwig examples come from news and media, as well as scientific contexts, indicating its suitability across various domains. Alternatives include "an unavoidable conclusion" or "a firm conclusion". Be mindful to use it when the "hardness" truly reflects the difficulty in accepting the conclusion, rather than simply meaning a complex or difficult deduction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unavoidable conclusion

Highlights the inevitability of the conclusion.

an inescapable conclusion

Emphasizes the impossibility of avoiding the conclusion.

a difficult conclusion to avoid

Focuses on the struggle to dismiss the conclusion.

a firm conclusion

Indicates a resolute and unwavering decision.

a definitive conclusion

Suggests a final and authoritative judgment.

an unassailable conclusion

Implies the conclusion is resistant to attack or questioning.

a solid conclusion

Signifies a well-supported and reliable inference.

a tough conclusion

Denotes the difficulty in the conclusion because it could be against our own interests.

a grim conclusion

Emphasizes the unpleasant or somber nature of the conclusion.

a stark conclusion

Highlights the harshness of the conclusion.

FAQs

What does "a hard conclusion" mean?

The phrase "a hard conclusion" refers to a conclusion that is difficult to accept or avoid, often because it's unpleasant or challenges existing beliefs.

When is it appropriate to use "a hard conclusion" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that a conclusion was reached with reluctance or acknowledges an uncomfortable truth. It highlights that the conclusion wasn't easily arrived at and might be undesirable.

What are some alternatives to "a hard conclusion"?

You can use alternatives like "an unavoidable conclusion", "a firm conclusion", or "a definitive conclusion" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a hard conclusion" and "a harsh conclusion"?

Yes, while both suggest something unpleasant, "a hard conclusion" implies difficulty in accepting the conclusion itself, whereas "a harsh conclusion" emphasizes the severity or unpleasantness of the conclusion's implications.