but harder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but harder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the difficulty of two tasks or situations, indicating that one is more challenging than the other. Example: "This math problem is easy, but harder than the last one we solved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But harder to adore.

Independent

My relationships got better but harder.

The New York Times

Less than a horse, but harder to stop.

Independent

"This is slower, but harder to control," Washburn said.

The New York Times - Sports

The enthusiasm is easy to convey, but harder to temper.

The Guardian - Books

It must have made things not easier but harder.

The New Yorker

Digitally inspired mobs mean revolutions will be "easier to start" but "harder to finish".

The New York Times

He was soon into gravel, noisier to dig through but harder to slip on.

The New Yorker

It's easier to get in, but harder to get a bead on.

The New York Times - Travel

(This is an obvious solution, but harder topull off than it sounds).

The New York Times

"Easy to dream but harder to live it," he sang along to the music.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but harder" to provide a concise contrast between two related concepts, where the second is more difficult to achieve or execute. It's effective for setting expectations or explaining trade-offs.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "but harder" can sometimes sound too informal for academic or professional writing. Consider alternatives like "though more challenging" or "however more difficult" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but harder" functions as a contrastive conjunction phrase. It connects two clauses or phrases, indicating that the second element presents a greater level of difficulty than the first. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but harder" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to contrast the relative difficulty of two related concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's acceptable for use across various contexts, though it can occasionally be perceived as informal in academic or professional settings. The phrase is most commonly found in news media and scientific publications. While "but harder" is widely accepted, consider using alternatives such as "though more challenging" or "however more difficult" for increased formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

though more challenging

Emphasizes the increased level of challenge involved.

yet more difficult

Highlights the difficulty aspect with a sense of surprise or contrast.

however more strenuous

Focuses on the effort required, suggesting greater exertion.

although more demanding

Stresses the increased requirements or expectations.

while more complex

Indicates a higher level of intricacy or complication.

even though more laborious

Highlights the increased effort and time required.

albeit more taxing

Focuses on the draining or burdensome nature of the task.

notwithstanding its greater difficulty

Formally acknowledges the increased level of difficulty.

on the other hand, more troublesome

Emphasizes the problematic or inconvenient nature.

conversely, more formidable

Highlights the imposing or daunting nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "but harder" to contrast the relative difficulty of two things, such as "The first step is easy, but harder than it looks."

What's a more formal alternative to "but harder"?

For formal contexts, consider using phrases like "however more difficult" or "though more challenging". These options maintain the contrast in difficulty with a more sophisticated tone.

Is it grammatically correct to use "but harder"?

Yes, "but harder" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to express a contrast in difficulty.

Which is correct: "but more hard" or "but harder"?

"But harder" is the correct form. The comparative form of "hard" is "harder", not "more hard".