a hard time adjusting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hard time adjusting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing difficulty in adapting to a new situation or environment. Example: "After moving to a new city, I had a hard time adjusting to the different climate and lifestyle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Some of these critics are living off accolades from a decade ago and have a hard time adjusting to life on the downhill side of their career.

Huffington Post

He had a hard time adjusting there.

The New Yorker

"She had a hard time adjusting.

The New Yorker

So they have a hard time adjusting to life ashore".

The New York Times

"Having a hard time adjusting to fame," he murmured, following Drake's example.

The New Yorker

I was having a hard time adjusting to the prospect of two years in Africa.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

But the players had a harder time adjusting.

The New Yorker

HOME ALONE: Barney and Miss Beazley had a harder time adjusting than we did.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Believe it or not, I thought I would have a harder time adjusting," she told me recently, while sipping hot chocolate at a Dunkin' Donuts in Allendale, an upscale town that borders Ramsey, where she and Jabrill are now renting a two-bedroom apartment from the brother of one of Don Bosco's assistant coaches.

The New Yorker

The adults have often had a harder time adjusting to the camp — and the restrictions that come with their refugee status.

Vice

If a kitten has not been handled, he will have a harder time adjusting to life in his new home.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a hard time adjusting", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is adjusting to. Providing specific details enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a hard time adjusting" without specifying the cause or object of the adjustment. For example, instead of saying "They are having a hard time adjusting", specify "They are having a hard time adjusting to the new school."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hard time adjusting" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the state or condition of a subject experiencing difficulty in adapting to something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is grammatically sound and commonly used. Examples show it modifying people, systems, or organizations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

13%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a hard time adjusting" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to describe the difficulty someone or something experiences when adapting to new circumstances. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is indeed correct. Its usage spans various contexts, from News & Media to more informal settings. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly specifies what is being adjusted to, and avoid vague references. Alternatives such as "struggling to adapt" or "finding it difficult to adjust" can be used for variety. The phrase is versatile and suitable for a range of communicative purposes, primarily to convey empathy or understanding of a challenging transition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

struggling to adapt

Focuses on the ongoing effort and difficulty in the process of adaptation.

finding it difficult to adjust

Emphasizes the perceived difficulty of the adjustment process.

having difficulty acclimating

Highlights the process of getting used to a new environment or situation.

encountering challenges in adapting

More formal, highlighting the challenges faced during adaptation.

facing difficulties in adapting

Similar to encountering challenges, but slightly less formal.

experiencing trouble adjusting

Focuses on the experience of difficulty during adjustment.

in the throes of adjustment

Suggests being deeply involved and affected by the adjustment process.

undergoing a difficult transition

Emphasizes the transition aspect and its associated difficulty.

grappling with adaptation

Conveys a sense of struggle and active effort to adapt.

not easily adapting

Highlights the lack of ease in the adaptation process.

FAQs

How can I use "a hard time adjusting" in a sentence?

Use "a hard time adjusting" to describe the difficulties someone faces when adapting to a new situation, environment, or set of circumstances. For example, "She had a hard time adjusting to the fast-paced city life."

What are some alternatives to "a hard time adjusting"?

You can use alternatives such as "struggling to adapt", "finding it difficult to adjust", or "having difficulty acclimating" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a hard time adjusting to" or "a hard time adjusting with"?

The correct preposition to use is "to". "A hard time adjusting to" is the standard and grammatically correct form. For instance, "He is having a hard time adjusting to the new work schedule."

What's the difference between "a hard time adjusting" and "a "harder time adjusting""?

"A hard time adjusting" indicates a general difficulty in adapting. "A "harder time adjusting"" suggests a greater level of difficulty compared to a previous situation or another person's experience.