becomes hard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "becomes hard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or object that transitions from a softer state to a harder state, often in a metaphorical or literal sense. Example: "As the temperature drops, the mixture becomes hard, solidifying into a sturdy form."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then it becomes hard.

The New York Times

Gonorrhea becomes hard to treat.

The Guardian

When fired to high temperatures, it becomes hard as stone.

The New York Times - Science

It becomes hard, even, to feel entitled to personhood.

The New Yorker

Yet when his language grows excessively figurative, it becomes hard to follow him.

The New York Times - Books

At this stage of the exhibition, the dearth of painting becomes hard to ignore.

The New York Times

As a result the website becomes hard to reach, or crashes completely.

The Economist

It becomes hard to imagine that discipline, tactics and strategy are still part of the picture.

The Economist

The porridge becomes hard and almost sets under the cold milk – it's fabulous.

Independent

Where customization is the norm, discussion — between strangers and opponents — becomes hard.

The New Yorker

We get about four and a half G's, and it becomes hard to breathe.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process, use "becomes hard" to indicate a point where challenges or obstacles begin to emerge. For example, "As the project deadline approaches, managing the team becomes hard".

Common error

Avoid using "becomes hard" when a simpler phrase like "is difficult" or "is challenging" would suffice. Overusing complex phrasing can make your writing sound unnatural or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "becomes hard" functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective. It connects the subject to a description of its state, indicating a transition into a condition of difficulty or physical hardness. Ludwig AI demonstrates its wide usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "becomes hard" is a versatile expression used to indicate a transition into a state of difficulty or physical hardness. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While interchangeable with alternatives like "turns difficult" or "gets tough", the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. However, it's essential to avoid overusing "becomes hard" in situations where simpler phrasing would suffice. In conclusion, "becomes hard" is a reliable phrase for expressing a change into a more challenging or solid state, provided it aligns with your writing's intended tone and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turns difficult

Focuses on the increasing difficulty of a task or situation.

gets tough

Emphasizes the challenging nature of a situation.

grows complicated

Highlights the increasing complexity involved.

hardens

Specifically refers to a physical transformation into a solid state.

solidifies

Similar to hardens, suggesting a transition into a firm or stable state.

turns rigid

Implies a lack of flexibility or adaptability.

gets challenging

Indicates an increase in the level of difficulty.

evolves into a struggle

Conveys a gradual development into a difficult situation.

is no longer easy

Highlights the absence of easiness.

presents difficulties

Focuses on the presence of challenges or obstacles.

FAQs

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

You can use "becomes hard" to describe a process, situation, or object transitioning into a state of difficulty or physical hardness. For example: "The task becomes hard when dealing with incomplete data" or "The clay becomes hard after baking".

What are some alternatives to "becomes hard"?

Alternatives include "turns difficult", "gets tough", "grows complicated", "hardens", and "solidifies". The best choice depends on the context.

Is "becomes hard" formal or informal?

"Becomes hard" is suitable for a variety of contexts, ranging from informal to neutral. However, consider using more precise or formal language in highly academic or professional settings.

What is the difference between "becomes hard" and "is hard"?

"Becomes hard" implies a change or transition into a state of difficulty or physical hardness, while "is hard" simply describes a current state. For instance, "the problem becomes hard to solve" indicates a challenge that developed over time, whereas "the problem is hard to solve" describes a challenge that exists at the present moment.