already harder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "already harder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has become more difficult than it was previously, often in a comparative context. Example: "The exam was already harder than I expected, making it challenging to finish on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Beyond the Enron case, in courtrooms across the country, claims by plaintiffs are already harder to dismiss out of hand.

The New York Times

Even though training programs are already harder to get into than Ivy League universities, Republicans in the House want to put them even further out of reach.

The New York Times

According to the Washington Post, this is already harder to decrypt files coming from devices running iOS 9 or later.

TechCrunch

Already, harder times for some traditional investors – Russians and Brazilians, for example – have hurt the Miami market, long attractive to overseas buyers.

Forbes

Such lack of trust could particularly hurt communities of color, which experts say are already harder to count during the census.

HuffPost

As people of color, our parents know that life is already harder and now we are throwing the LGBT stuff on top of it and the stigma that may come with it.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

That was already hard.

The Economist

Life is already hard enough.

The Economist

Writing is already hard.

The Guardian

Already, hard questions are being asked.

The New York Times

"Labels are already hard enough to understand".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "already harder", ensure the context clearly establishes what was previously less difficult. Provide specific details to illustrate the increased challenge.

Common error

Avoid using "already harder" when there is no prior reference point for comparison. The phrase implies a change or increase in difficulty relative to a previous state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "already harder" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that something has become more difficult in relation to a previous state or expectation. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate this function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "already harder" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that indicates an increase in difficulty compared to a previous state. As Ludwig AI validates, its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While the frequency of "already harder" is uncommon, remember to provide clear context when you use the phrase, and it is important to ensure there is a clear previous reference point to what is being compared. Consider alternatives like "even more challenging" or "increasingly difficult" when a slightly different emphasis is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even more challenging

Emphasizes the increase in difficulty to a greater degree.

increasingly difficult

Highlights the ongoing nature of the increasing difficulty.

progressively tougher

Suggests a gradual increase in difficulty over time.

more arduous now

Replaces "harder" with "arduous" to denote a more laborious challenge.

tougher than before

Directly compares the current level of difficulty to a previous state.

now more complicated

Shifts the focus from difficulty to the increased complexity of the situation.

exceedingly problematic

Indicates a significant degree of trouble or difficulty.

remarkably more demanding

Emphasizes the increased demands or requirements of the situation.

decidedly more taxing

Replaces "harder" with "taxing" to suggest a draining or burdensome effect.

significantly more strenuous

Implies a greater level of effort or exertion is now required.

FAQs

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

You can use "already harder" to indicate an increase in difficulty compared to a previous situation. For example, "The test was "already harder" than expected, and then they added a surprise essay section."

What are some alternatives to saying "already harder"?

Alternatives include "even more challenging", "increasingly difficult", or "tougher than before", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "already harder"?

Yes, "already harder" is grammatically correct. It functions as a comparative adjective phrase indicating an increase in difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples from reliable sources.

What's the difference between "already harder" and "even harder"?

"Already harder" implies that something was difficult to begin with, and has now become more so. "Even harder" simply emphasizes an increase in difficulty, without necessarily implying a prior state of difficulty. The distinction is subtle but important for precise communication.