are hard on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are hard on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone being strict, critical, or harsh towards someone else. Example: "The coach is hard on the players during practice to ensure they perform at their best."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Metal ores are hard on machinery, so every three weeks one of these giant metal parts must be shipped from Britain to a copper mine in Chile.

The Economist

It is "Lord, these affairs are hard on the heart".

The New Yorker

For all their virtues, small towns are hard on misfits.

The New York Times

Janssen and Bristol Myers-Squibb are hard on their heels.

The Guardian

Well, I think women are hard on women.

The New York Times - Magazine

They may be soft on the surface, but they are hard on the inside.

The Economist

"The reality of it is horses and mules are hard on the landscape".

The New Yorker

client — "250 workers... are hard on the hunt for ideas every hour, every day," he noted.

The New Yorker

They are hard on Maya's heels as a last chance to escape presents itself.

Independent

Many players who want to be great are hard on themselves".

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Fitzgerald said afterward that executions are hard on everyone at the prison.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are hard on", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Is it about being strict, causing damage, or creating difficulty? Choose the phrase that best reflects your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "are hard on" when a milder term like "challenging" or "difficult" would be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly negative or critical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are hard on" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the effect or impact of a subject on an object or person. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are hard on" is a versatile expression used to describe something that is detrimental, demanding, or overly critical. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It's important to consider the context and desired nuance when employing this phrase, as alternatives like "are tough on" or "place strain on" may be more suitable depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey. The phrase is common across various domains, particularly in News & Media, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are tough on

Emphasizes the challenging or difficult aspect similar to "are hard on".

are strict with

Focuses on the stringent or demanding aspect of the relationship.

are demanding of

Highlights the high expectations or requirements placed on someone or something.

are critical of

Indicates a tendency to find fault or express disapproval.

place strain on

Highlights the pressure or burden exerted on something.

are rough on

Suggests a physically or emotionally harsh effect.

are taxing on

Emphasizes the depleting or burdensome nature of something.

are severe with

Highlights the intensity and stringency of the treatment.

are unforgiving to

Emphasizes the lack of leniency or compassion shown.

are exacting with

Indicates a meticulous and rigorous approach.

FAQs

How can I use "are hard on" in a sentence?

You can use "are hard on" to describe something that is demanding, damaging, or critical. For example, "Metal ores "are hard on" machinery" or "The coach "is hard on" the players."

What phrases are similar to "are hard on"?

Similar phrases include "are tough on", "are strict with", or "place strain on", each conveying a slightly different nuance of difficulty or pressure.

Is it better to say "are hard on" or "are tough on"?

Both "are hard on" and "are tough on" are acceptable, but "are tough on" might imply resilience in the face of difficulty, while "are hard on" can suggest a more damaging or critical impact.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "are hard on"?

It might be inappropriate to use "are hard on" when describing something that is only mildly challenging or when a more positive term would better suit the context. Consider whether the situation warrants the negative connotation of the phrase.