a hard time moving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hard time moving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing difficulty in physically moving or transitioning from one place to another, or metaphorically when discussing emotional or mental challenges. Example: "After the accident, she had a hard time moving around the house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

He had a hard time moving.

The New York Times

She took a medical timeout in the second set and had a hard time moving.

The New York Times - Sports

Even after a romance breaks up, Mr. Adkins's devoted characters have a hard time moving on.

The New York Times

Indeed, the researchers also found that whites and blacks in Atlanta both have a hard time moving up.

The New York Times

It was very, very cold, and slowly we had a hard time moving our feet and our hands".

The New York Times

"The day guys on Monday were having a hard time moving around because of stranded buses, cars and other vehicles," Mr. Nespoli said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The "Seinfeld" cast members, of course, have had a harder time moving on.

The New York Times

But she will have a harder time moving her party to the centre than her husband did.

The Economist

But that talent is having a harder time moving up, in part because the earlier influx of young drivers has created a logjam of drivers in their 30s at the Cup level.

The New York Times

Comparing worker incomes across two periods, 1981 to 1996 and 1993 to 2008, the authors found that workers today have a harder time moving up the income ladder — and, interestingly, that they are slightly less likely to move down, as well.

The New Yorker

If this restocking of shelves and warehouses were to stop or slow next year, a possibility that concerns Mr. Littlefield and Ms. Baker, then the temps, freelancers and contract workers they and many other employers now use would have a harder time moving from casual to regular employment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical limitations, be specific about the type of movement that is difficult (e.g., "a hard time moving his arm" instead of simply "a hard time moving").

Common error

Avoid using "a hard time moving" when a more precise term would better convey the specific limitation. For example, instead of saying someone has "a hard time moving", specify if they have difficulty walking, lifting, or bending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hard time moving" functions as a modifier describing a state of difficulty related to movement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase, appearing in various contexts to express challenges in physical or metaphorical movement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hard time moving" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe difficulty in physical or metaphorical movement. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is appropriate for general use and can be found across different types of media and writing. While generally neutral in tone, the level of specificity should be adapted to the audience. Consider using synonyms like "difficulty in moving" or "struggling to move" based on the context. Remember to avoid overgeneralization and specify the type of movement when possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficulty in moving

Formal alternative using 'difficulty' instead of 'hard time'.

struggling to move

Replaces "hard time" with "struggling", emphasizing effort.

having trouble moving

Uses "having trouble" as a substitute for "a hard time".

finding it difficult to move

More explicit rephrasing of the difficulty.

encountering obstacles in moving

Highlights the presence of obstacles, making it more formal.

facing challenges in mobility

Replaces 'moving' with the more formal 'mobility'.

constrained in movement

Emphasizes restriction and limitation.

restricted mobility

Expresses the concept more concisely.

mobility impairment

A clinical term for reduced ability to move.

limited range of motion

Specifically refers to the physical extent of movement.

FAQs

What does it mean to have "a hard time moving"?

Having "a hard time moving" generally means experiencing difficulty or challenges in physically moving oneself or a part of one's body. It can also be used metaphorically to describe difficulty in making progress or transitioning in a non-physical sense.

What are some synonyms for "a hard time moving"?

Some synonyms include "difficulty in moving", "struggling to move", or "having trouble moving". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

Example uses include: "After the surgery, she had a hard time moving her leg." or "The company is having a hard time moving forward with its new project."

Is it better to say "a hard time moving" or "difficulty moving"?

Both phrases are correct. "A hard time moving" is slightly more informal. "Difficulty moving" may be preferred in formal or professional contexts.