a hard decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hard decision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a choice that is difficult to make due to various factors or consequences involved. Example: "Choosing between two job offers was a hard decision for her to make."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's kind of a hard decision.

The New York Times

Q. Was that a hard decision?

The New York Times

"It's a hard decision, though".

The New York Times

It was a hard decision.

The New York Times - Sports

It was not a hard decision.

Yale University

It had been a hard decision.

The New Yorker

"It's not a hard decision," Cox said.

The New York Times - Sports

"That was a hard decision for him.

The New York Times - Sports

"It wasn't a hard decision," she said.

The Guardian - Film

"But it's a hard decision," he said.

The New York Times

"But it's a hard decision, no doubt".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hard decision" to convey the emotional or intellectual strain involved in making a choice. It emphasizes that the decision wasn't taken lightly.

Common error

Avoid using "hard" too frequently in your writing. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "difficult", "challenging", or "complex" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hard decision" functions as a noun phrase, where "hard" modifies the noun "decision". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. It acts as the subject or object of a verb to describe a difficult choice or determination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hard decision" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a difficult choice. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across diverse contexts, including news, sports, business, and science. While it maintains a neutral register, its impact lies in conveying the weight and complexity of the decision-making process. When using this phrase, consider the emotional and intellectual strain it implies, and vary your vocabulary to avoid overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult choice

Replaces "decision" with "choice", emphasizing the selection aspect.

a tough call

Uses a more informal idiom, "call", implying a judgment or assessment.

a challenging determination

Emphasizes the mental effort involved in reaching a decision.

a problematic resolution

Highlights the potential issues or complexities in finding a solution.

a weighty judgment

Conveys the seriousness and significance of the decision.

an unenviable dilemma

Focuses on the undesirable nature of the situation requiring a decision.

a vexing predicament

Emphasizes the troublesome and perplexing nature of the decision.

a grueling deliberation

Highlights the exhausting process of considering options.

a complex conclusion

Highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of the decision.

a knotty selection

Uses "knotty" to describe the difficulty and intricacy involved in selecting an option.

FAQs

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

You can use "a hard decision" to describe a choice that is difficult to make. For example: "Choosing between two job offers was "a hard decision"."

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

Some alternatives include "a difficult choice", "a tough call", or "a challenging determination".

Is it always necessary to use "a" before "hard decision"?

Yes, unless you are using the phrase as an adjective. For instance, you would say, "It was a hard decision", but you might also say, "The decision was hard". In most cases, "a hard decision" is the correct phrasing.

What makes "a hard decision" different from "a simple decision"?

"A hard decision" implies significant deliberation and potential negative consequences, while "a simple decision" suggests ease and straightforwardness. The former involves weighing complex factors, whereas the latter does not.