causing hardship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "causing hardship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or action that creates difficulty or suffering for someone or something. Example: "The sudden increase in rent is causing hardship for many families in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

That is causing hardship and recrimination.

The Economist

Soaring prices are already causing hardship across the developing world.

The New York Times

The influx drained grain supplies, causing hardship to the locals.

The Economist

The report says the current sanctions policy is causing hardship and hunger.

The Guardian

And delay in restarting the cellphone system is causing hardship citywide, he said.

The New York Times

Mr. Ikram rejected suggestions from the women's groups that polygamous marriages may benefit men while causing hardship for women.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

To begin with, Eta prisoners are persecuted within the Spanish justice system (being deliberately dispersed across Spain's large territory, for example, causing hardships for their families).

The Guardian - Opinion

A weak economy is causing hardships for many Americans now, but it could hurt even more in the future.

Huffington Post

All these things caused hardship and anxiety.

The Guardian - Opinion

False and overdrawn fears only cause hardship".

The Guardian - Books

"Inevitably that caused hardship to families," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the impact of policies or events, use "causing hardship" to clearly communicate the negative consequences experienced by affected individuals or groups. For example: "The new tax law is "causing hardship" for low-income families."

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences using passive voice where "causing hardship" becomes vague or indirect. For example, instead of "Hardship is being caused by the new policy", write "The new policy is "causing hardship"."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "causing hardship" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, often acting as part of a clause that describes the negative effects of an action or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. Many of the examples showcase this function, such as 'Soaring prices are already "causing hardship" across the developing world.'

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "causing hardship" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe situations that result in difficulty or suffering. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Its frequent appearance in news, formal business documents, and encyclopedias indicates its widespread acceptance and understanding. When using this phrase, ensure that you are clearly identifying the source of the hardship and avoiding passive voice constructions. Consider alternatives like "creating difficulties" or "inflicting suffering" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By understanding its usage and potential alternatives, you can effectively communicate the impact of adverse situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inflicting suffering

Emphasizes the act of deliberately imposing suffering.

creating difficulties

Focuses on the generation of challenging circumstances.

generating adversity

Highlights the production of unfavorable conditions.

inducing privation

Stresses the act of bringing about a state of deprivation.

leading to destitution

Focuses on the outcome of causing extreme poverty.

precipitating misfortune

Highlights the hastening of unfortunate events.

fostering adversity

Emphasizes the nurturing or encouragement of unfavorable conditions.

bringing about distress

Focuses on the causation of emotional or mental suffering.

exacerbating difficulties

Highlights the worsening of already existing challenges.

engendering deprivation

Emphasizes the production of a state of lacking essential resources.

FAQs

How can I use "causing hardship" in a sentence?

You can use "causing hardship" to describe a situation or action that results in difficulty or suffering. For example, "The economic downturn is "causing hardship" for many small businesses".

What are some alternatives to "causing hardship"?

Some alternatives include "creating difficulties", "inflicting suffering", or "generating adversity", depending on the specific context.

Is "causing hardship" formal or informal?

"Causing hardship" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but consider the specific audience and purpose of your writing. In very formal settings, you might opt for a more nuanced synonym.

What's the difference between "causing hardship" and "resulting hardship"?

"Causing hardship" emphasizes the action that leads to difficulty, while "resulting hardship" focuses on the hardship as a consequence. The former describes the cause, and the latter describes the effect.