a harder thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a harder thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the difficulty of tasks or situations, indicating that one is more challenging than another. Example: "Learning a new language is a harder thing than I initially thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Generosity on this front, however, is a harder thing to test for during courtship.

The New York Times

But in the Obama age, the "state of the planet" became a harder thing to "personalise".

The Guardian - Music

But now I understand what Mickey says — it's a harder thing to stay one".

The New Yorker

"My guess is that magazines are a harder thing to multitask with," said Anne Marie Kelly, an executive at GfK MRI.

The New York Times - Tech

But the editorial proposition is a harder thing to refine, and defining what that offer is to potential customers – beyond existing free news and established brands – may turn out to be the Daily's biggest challenge.

The Guardian

It's a very easy thing to say, probably a harder thing to carry out.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Culture is a hard thing to change.

The New York Times

It's a hard thing to learn.

The New York Times

"That's a hard thing to find".

The New York Times

It's a hard thing to do.

The New York Times

"It's a hard thing to explain….

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a harder thing", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared. For instance, specify what the action or task is harder than.

Common error

Avoid using "a harder thing" without providing specific context or comparison. Saying "It's a harder thing" without clarifying what 'it' refers to can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a harder thing" functions as a noun phrase, where 'harder' acts as a comparative adjective modifying the noun 'thing'. It often serves as a subjective complement, describing a quality or state, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a harder thing" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon expression used to denote a comparative level of difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, highlighting its presence primarily in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clear context to establish the basis of comparison. Alternatives like "a more challenging task" or "a tougher challenge" can offer similar meanings. Its usage remains neutral, fitting across diverse communicative scenarios without being overly formal or technical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a more challenging task

Replaces "harder" with "more challenging" to emphasize the level of difficulty.

a tougher challenge

Uses "tougher" and "challenge" to convey the sense of increased difficulty.

a more difficult endeavor

Replaces "thing" with "endeavor" to denote a serious attempt or effort.

a greater obstacle

Shifts the focus to the impediment itself rather than the act of facing it.

a steeper climb

Uses a metaphorical expression to represent increased difficulty.

a more intricate matter

Focuses on the complexity of the situation making it more difficult.

a more demanding undertaking

Emphasizes the effort and requirements involved in the task.

a more formidable task

Highlights the intimidating aspect of the difficulty.

a trickier proposition

Indicates a situation requiring careful handling and strategy.

a heavier burden

Conveys the increased difficulty as a weight or strain.

FAQs

How can I use "a harder thing" in a sentence?

Use "a harder thing" to compare the difficulty of two tasks or situations. For example, "Convincing him will be "a harder thing" than you imagine."

What are some alternatives to "a harder thing"?

You can use alternatives like "a more challenging task", "a tougher challenge", or "a more difficult endeavor" depending on the specific context.

Is "a harder thing" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a harder thing" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules for comparative adjectives and noun phrases.

What's the difference between "a harder thing" and "a difficult thing"?

"A harder thing" implies a comparison to something else, suggesting it's more difficult than something already mentioned or understood. "A difficult thing" simply states that something is challenging without direct comparison.