be hard to get

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be hard to get" is correct and can be used in written English.
You would typically use this phrase in a context where someone or something is difficult to obtain or obtain access to. For example: "The new iPhone has been hard to get since it was released last week due to high demand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sfenj can be hard to get right.

The Guardian - Travel

Q: It must be hard to get good shots!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"It would be hard to get Alan Alda," he mused.

The New York Times - Arts

The infant can sometimes be hard to get out.

The New Yorker

It's going to be hard to get in".

The New Yorker

"Otherwise, it would be hard to get critical mass".

The New Yorker

"And it's gonna be hard to get rid of that".

The New York Times

But it can still be hard to get.

The Washington Post

Credit should be hard to get, readers noted.

The New York Times

It can be hard to get people to open up.

Harvard Business Review

It can be hard to get used to.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "be hard to get", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is difficult to obtain, whether it's a physical object, a job, or an emotional state. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "be hard to get" too frequently in formal or professional writing, as it can sound colloquial. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "difficult to obtain" or "challenging to acquire" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be hard to get" functions primarily as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes the characteristic of a noun (or pronoun) as being difficult to obtain or achieve. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be hard to get" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something that is difficult to obtain or achieve. Ludwig AI analysis of numerous examples shows its widespread use across various contexts, from news and media to general online content. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of the writing and choose more precise alternatives like "difficult to obtain" or "challenging to acquire" in professional settings. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of communications, and its usage is particularly frequent in news and media sources. Understanding the nuances of "be hard to get" ensures effective and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be difficult to obtain

Focuses on the challenge of acquiring something, emphasizing the act of obtaining rather than the quality of being "hard".

be challenging to acquire

Similar to 'difficult to obtain' but emphasizes the challenging nature of the acquisition process.

be not easily accessible

Highlights the lack of ease in accessing something, shifting the focus from difficulty to accessibility.

be tough to come by

Emphasizes the scarcity or infrequency of finding or obtaining something.

be in short supply

Indicates a limited availability of something, making it difficult to get due to scarcity.

be like gold dust

Uses a metaphor to convey the extreme rarity and preciousness of something, making it very difficult to obtain.

be a tall order

Indicates that a task or goal is very demanding and difficult to achieve, making it 'hard to get' the desired outcome.

be a Herculean task

Emphasizes the immense difficulty and effort required, drawing a comparison to the labors of Hercules.

face an uphill battle

Highlights the struggle and resistance encountered when trying to achieve something, making it 'hard to get' the desired result.

encounter significant obstacles

Focuses on the presence of major impediments that hinder progress, making it 'hard to get' to the final goal.

FAQs

How can I use "be hard to get" in a sentence?

You can use "be hard to get" to describe something that is difficult to obtain or achieve. For instance, "Tickets to the concert will "be hard to get" due to high demand" or "Funding for the project may "be hard to get" without a solid business plan".

What are some alternatives to "be hard to get"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "be difficult to obtain", "be challenging to acquire", or "be not easily accessible" as alternatives to "be hard to get".

Is it grammatically correct to say "be hard to get"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "be hard to get" follows standard English grammar rules and is widely used and understood.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "be hard to get"?

The phrase "be hard to get" is appropriate when describing something that is not easily attainable due to various factors such as scarcity, high demand, or strict requirements. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in professional writing.