a hard look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hard look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that someone should examine something closely or critically. Example: "Before making a decision, it's important to take a hard look at all the available options."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Someone has to take a hard look.

The New Yorker

We need to take a hard look.

The New Yorker

She gave me a hard look.

The New Yorker

Make it a hard look.

The Guardian - Opinion

A hard look passed over Billy's face.

The New Yorker

Take a Hard Look in the Mirror.

Harvard Business Review

You take a hard look at everything.

The New York Times - Sports

Take a hard look at your PC.

The Guardian - Tech

We should take a hard look at that.

University of California, Berkeley

I would take a hard look at it.

The New York Times - Sports

It's time for a hard look at these facilities.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a hard look", consider the tone you want to convey. It can imply seriousness, concern, or a call to action.

Common error

Avoid using "a hard look" in contexts that require a lighthearted or positive tone. The phrase carries a sense of gravity and might be inappropriate for casual or celebratory situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hard look" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage and the examples illustrate its role in prompting detailed scrutiny. The adjective "hard" modifies "look", emphasizing the intensity and critical nature of the examination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

26%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hard look" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that signifies the need for careful and critical evaluation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and versatility across various contexts. It’s frequently found in news and media, formal business settings, and academic writing. While adaptable, writers should be mindful of its serious tone and use it judiciously to avoid misinterpretations. Remember to consider alternative expressions like "a thorough examination" or "a critical assessment" to best fit the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a thorough examination

Emphasizes the completeness and detail of the inspection.

a critical assessment

Highlights the evaluative aspect, focusing on judging merits and faults.

a close scrutiny

Stresses the careful and detailed nature of the observation.

a deep dive

Indicates an immersive and intensive investigation.

a careful review

Highlights the attentiveness and diligence involved in the assessment.

a detailed analysis

Focuses on breaking down something into its components for better understanding.

a rigorous inspection

Implies a strict and demanding examination process.

a probing investigation

Suggests an active and inquisitive inquiry to uncover hidden information.

a forensic analysis

Implies a detailed examination, like those performed for legal purposes.

a in-depth evaluation

Underlines the comprehensive and thorough nature of the evaluation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a hard look" to suggest a thorough and critical examination of something. For example, "The company needs to take "a hard look" at its spending habits."

What's the difference between "a hard look" and "a quick glance"?

"A hard look" implies a detailed and careful examination, while "a quick glance" suggests a brief and superficial observation. The former is thorough, the latter is cursory.

What are some situations where I should use "a hard look"?

Use "a hard look" when analyzing financial statements, evaluating project proposals, or addressing performance issues. It's appropriate when a serious and in-depth assessment is required.

Are there any synonyms for "a hard look" that convey a similar meaning?

Yes, you can use phrases like "a thorough examination", "a critical assessment", or "a close scrutiny" to express the need for careful evaluation.