a little hard

USAGE SUMMARY

"a little hard" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that is a bit difficult, for example: "This math problem is a little hard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a little hard.

The New York Times

That's a little hard; Steichen.

Yale University

It's a little hard to believe.

The New York Times

This is a little hard to swallow.

The Economist

It's a little hard to follow.

The New York Times

They just take a little hard work.

The New York Times

It was a little hard.

The New York Times - Sports

... although they're a little hard to unstick.

The Washington Post

Sometimes it was a little hard.

The Washington Post

"It may be a little hard.

The New York Times

I'm a little hard of hearing.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a little hard" to describe a person's behavior, consider whether "a bit firm" or "slightly strict" might be more appropriate, depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "a little hard" as a catch-all phrase. Be specific about the source of difficulty. For example, instead of saying "The situation is a little hard", specify "The situation is a little hard to manage because of the conflicting deadlines".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little hard" functions primarily as an adjectival modifier, describing the degree or intensity of an adjective or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across different contexts, as seen in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

21%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a little hard" is a common and versatile phrase used to express a mild degree of difficulty or challenge. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts, especially in news and media. While "a little hard" is generally acceptable, writers should be mindful of potential overuse and consider more specific or nuanced alternatives depending on the situation. Remember to be specific about the source of the difficulty and avoid using "a little hard" as a general descriptor. Use Ludwig to check your context and ensure accuracy and effectiveness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat difficult

Replaces "a little hard" with more formal synonyms for difficulty.

slightly challenging

Emphasizes the challenging aspect with a milder intensity than "hard".

not so easy

Expresses difficulty by negating easiness, offering a more conversational tone.

a bit tough

Uses "tough" as a synonym for "hard", maintaining a similar level of intensity.

rather complicated

Focuses on the complexity aspect, suggesting that the difficulty arises from intricacy.

moderately strenuous

Highlights the effort required, especially suitable when referring to physical tasks.

a trifle demanding

Introduces a slightly elevated register, emphasizing the demanding nature.

marginally arduous

Emphasizes the effort involved, suggesting that something is laborious, even if only slightly.

a shade tricky

Highlights the deceptive aspect of the difficulty, suggesting that something is not straightforward.

reasonably problematic

Focuses on the presence of problems, indicating that the difficulty is due to issues or obstacles.

FAQs

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

You can use "a little hard" to describe something that is somewhat difficult, challenging, or requires effort. For example, "This math problem is "a little hard"" or "He's "a little hard" to understand sometimes".

What are some alternatives to saying "a little hard"?

Alternatives include "somewhat difficult", "slightly challenging", "a bit tough", or "not so easy". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a little hard" or should I use "a little hardly"?

"A little hard" is the correct and commonly used phrase. "Hardly" is an adverb that means "barely" or "scarcely", and it doesn't fit the intended meaning of expressing mild difficulty.

What's the difference between "a little hard" and "a little tough"?

While "hard" and "tough" can often be used interchangeably, "tough" sometimes implies resilience or endurance, while "hard" typically emphasizes difficulty or inflexibility. So, saying something is "a little tough" might suggest it requires resilience, whereas ""a little hard"" suggests it presents some difficulty.