a very hard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very hard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is difficult or challenging in various contexts, such as tasks, situations, or objects. Example: "This exam is a very hard test, and I need to study more to prepare for it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a very hard question!

Independent

A very hard job.

Harvard Business Review

They had a very hard road".

The New York Times - Sports

"It is a very hard problem".

The New York Times

She had a very hard life.

The New York Times

It was a very hard life".

The New Yorker

"It was a very hard landing".

The New York Times

I expect a very hard game.

Independent

It was a very hard period".

The New Yorker

"It's a very hard sell".

The New York Times - Magazine

It's a very hard target.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a very hard" to describe a task, consider specifying what aspect of the task makes it difficult. For example, "a very hard decision" could be elaborated as "a very hard decision due to conflicting values".

Common error

Avoid using "a very hard" as a generic descriptor. Instead, provide specific details to clarify the nature of the difficulty. Saying something is "a very hard problem" is less impactful than saying "a very hard problem to solve due to limited resources".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very hard" functions primarily as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It intensifies the adjective "hard", indicating a significant degree of difficulty, challenge, or resilience. This is supported by examples in Ludwig AI, where the phrase describes tasks, times, or questions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

13%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a very hard" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to emphasize difficulty or challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While versatile, it's most effective when followed by specific details that clarify the nature of the difficulty, rather than being used as a generic descriptor. Alternatives such as "extremely difficult" or "incredibly challenging" can add nuance, but the key is to ensure clarity and context in its application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely difficult

Emphasizes the high degree of difficulty, intensifying the original phrase.

incredibly challenging

Highlights the challenging nature of the task, suggesting a test of one's abilities.

exceptionally tough

Uses 'tough' to convey the demanding nature, implying resilience is needed.

particularly arduous

More formal, indicating a task requiring significant effort and endurance.

remarkably strenuous

Focuses on the effort required, emphasizing physical or mental exertion.

quite demanding

Suggests the situation makes considerable demands on one's resources or abilities.

seriously taxing

Indicates the situation places a significant burden or strain on someone.

majorly complex

Highlights the intricate and complicated nature of something.

notoriously problematic

Emphasizes that the issue is widely known to cause difficulties.

intensely rigorous

Implies strictness and thoroughness, demanding high standards and precision.

FAQs

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

You can use "a very hard" to describe something that presents significant difficulty or challenge. For instance, "That was "a very hard lesson" to learn" or "It's "a very hard thing to do"".

What are some alternatives to "a very hard"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "extremely difficult", "incredibly challenging", or "exceptionally tough" to express a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "a very hard" or should I use another adjective?

The phrase "a very hard" is grammatically correct and commonly used. Other adjectives can be used for variety or emphasis, but "a very hard" is acceptable.

What does "a very hard" typically describe?

"A very hard" can describe a range of things, including tasks, decisions, periods of time, or even physical objects, emphasizing the level of difficulty, effort, or resilience involved.