are hard to define

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are hard to define" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing concepts, terms, or ideas that lack a clear or universally accepted definition. Example: "Emotions such as love and happiness are hard to define, as they can vary greatly from person to person."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

It's very touching for reasons that are hard to define".

The Guardian - Music

Even the traits themselves, he said, are hard to define.

The New York Times - Science

Of course, those public obligations are hard to define.

The New York Times - Magazine

The full implications of her deception are hard to define.

The Guardian

"There are a couple of moving parts that are hard to define," Mr. Issacharoff said.

The New York Times

The specific intentions of the Uighurs in Afghanistan in 2001 are hard to define.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Moods are harder to define.

The Guardian - Books

Some places are harder to define.

The New York Times

The requirements regarding time, however, are harder to define, as there are many aspects to consider.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

He was hard to define.

The New York Times - Arts

It's hard to define".

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are hard to define", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is making the definition difficult. Providing specific reasons or examples can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "are hard to define" as a vague statement without further explanation. Specify the aspects that contribute to the difficulty in defining the subject, or provide examples to illustrate the complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are hard to define" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes a quality or characteristic of a subject, indicating that the subject has properties that make it difficult to provide a clear definition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are hard to define" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the difficulty in establishing a clear definition for something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. While the phrase is versatile, remember to contextualize its use with specific reasons or examples. Alternatives such as "are difficult to define" or "lack a clear definition" can provide nuanced meanings. Use the phrase judiciously to convey complexity without resorting to vague generalizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are difficult to define

Replaces "hard" with "difficult", maintaining the same meaning and level of formality.

are tough to define

Replaces "hard" with "tough", indicating a more informal tone.

are challenging to define

Substitutes "hard" with "challenging", suggesting that definition requires considerable effort.

are not easily defined

Expresses the difficulty in defining something without specifying the reason.

defy easy definition

Emphasizes that the subject resists simple or straightforward definitions.

lack a clear definition

Indicates the absence of a well-established or unambiguous definition.

resist clear definition

Highlights the subject's resistance to being defined in a clear or precise manner.

are imprecisely defined

Focuses on the lack of precision in the definition rather than the difficulty of defining.

are vaguely defined

Highlights the lack of clarity or specificity in the definition.

elude precise definition

Suggests that the subject escapes or avoids being accurately defined.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "are hard to define"?

It means that the concept, object, or idea lacks a clear, universally accepted definition. This could be due to its complexity, abstractness, or subjectivity.

How can I use "are hard to define" in a sentence?

Use it to describe something that lacks a precise or easily understood definition. For example: "The boundaries between art and design "are hard to define"."

What can I say instead of "are hard to define"?

You can use alternatives like "are difficult to define", "lack a clear definition", or "defy easy definition" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are hard to define" or "is hard to define"?

"Are hard to define" is used with plural nouns or concepts, while "is hard to define" is used with singular nouns. For example, "Emotions are hard to define" versus "Happiness is hard to define."