a hardship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hardship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a difficult or challenging situation that causes suffering or distress. Example: "Losing my job during the pandemic was a significant hardship for my family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's a hardship".

The New York Times

(It wasn't a hardship).

The New York Times

It's not really a hardship".

The New York Times

"It's considered a hardship post.

The Guardian

Which is not a hardship".

The New Yorker

It was never a hardship to write.

The Guardian

"For parents who work, it's a hardship.

The New York Times

What they see is a hardship".

The New York Times

"It's not exactly a hardship," Mr. Hanson said.

The New York Times

He may also qualify for a hardship exemption.

The New York Times

It's a hardship post, to say the least.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hardship" to describe a specific instance of difficulty or suffering, rather than a general state of affairs. For example, "The unexpected medical bills created a significant hardship for the family."

Common error

Avoid using "a hardship" as a simple synonym for "inconvenience". Reserve it for situations that genuinely cause significant difficulty or suffering. Instead of saying, "Waiting in line was a hardship", consider "Waiting in line was an inconvenience."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hardship" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes a condition that causes difficulty, suffering, or privation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its correct use is well-established.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hardship" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a difficult or challenging situation that causes suffering or distress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, it's best to reserve "a hardship" for situations that involve genuine suffering, and not simply inconvenience. Consider alternatives like "a difficulty" or "a struggle" for less severe situations. By using "a hardship" accurately, you can effectively communicate the impact of challenging circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficulty

Emphasizes the problematic nature of a situation without necessarily implying severe suffering.

an ordeal

Suggests a prolonged and trying experience.

a tribulation

Highlights the suffering and distress caused by a particular event or situation.

a tough time

A more informal way of describing a period of difficulty.

a struggle

Focuses on the effort required to overcome challenges.

an adversity

Highlights the unfavorable conditions and challenges faced.

a misfortune

Emphasizes the bad luck or unfortunate circumstances.

a burden

Suggests a heavy load or responsibility that causes stress.

an affliction

Indicates a cause of persistent pain or distress.

a setback

Highlights an event that delays or reverses progress.

FAQs

How can I use "a hardship" in a sentence?

You can use "a hardship" to describe a difficult situation that causes suffering or distress. For example, "The loss of their home created "a hardship" for the family."

What are some alternatives to "a hardship"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a difficulty", "a struggle", or "an ordeal" instead of "a hardship".

When is it appropriate to use "a hardship"?

"A hardship" is appropriate when describing a situation that involves considerable difficulty, suffering, or privation. It's not suitable for minor inconveniences.

What's the difference between "a hardship" and "a difficulty"?

While both terms refer to challenging situations, "a hardship" implies a greater degree of suffering or privation than "a difficulty". A difficulty might be a problem to solve, while a hardship suggests a situation that causes significant distress.