even harder for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even harder for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is more difficult for a particular person or group in comparison to others or to a previous situation. Example: "The new regulations make it even harder for small businesses to compete in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is even harder for the Catholics".

The New York Times

"It will be even harder for sure".

The Guardian

Seems it is even harder for the President.

Independent

They must drive even harder for structural change.

The New York Times

The second series swings even harder for the fences.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Moving around town has become even harder for Christian women.

The New York Times

If anything, that makes it even harder for us".

The Guardian - Sport

This makes losing even harder for the Giants' defensive players.

The New York Times - Sports

Life was even harder for his wife, Anita.

The New York Times - Magazine

Making life even harder for them is the lack of oxygen in the boggy ground.

Yale University

It's even harder for people like myself that are allergic to all forms of Alcohol.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "even harder for", ensure the context clearly establishes what is already considered difficult. This phrase is most effective when building upon a previously stated challenge.

Common error

Avoid using "even harder for" when there is no prior point of comparison. Without an established baseline of difficulty, the phrase loses its impact and can sound awkward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even harder for" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used to modify a verb or adjective, indicating that an action or state is more challenging for a specific subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It serves to intensify the degree of difficulty experienced by someone or something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

23%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "even harder for" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize increased difficulty for a specific subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. The phrase functions as a prepositional phrase and carries a neutral register. When incorporating this phrase in writing, ensure that the context establishes what is already considered difficult, and if formality is preferred, alternatives like "more challenging for" may be considered. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your use of "even harder for" is effective and precise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more difficult for

Replaces "even harder" with a synonym, slightly reducing the emphasis.

increasingly challenging for

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the difficulty.

tougher for

A more informal synonym for "harder".

more strenuous for

Focuses on the effort required.

a greater struggle for

Highlights the element of conflict or effort.

a bigger challenge for

Emphasizes the problematic nature of the task.

more demanding for

Stresses the requirements and expectations involved.

an uphill battle for

Idiomatic expression indicating a difficult and protracted effort.

more problematic for

Highlights the issues or complications caused.

a heavier burden for

Focuses on the negative impact or strain.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "even harder for" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "more challenging for", "increasingly difficult for", or "more strenuous for". These options often suit academic or professional contexts better than "even harder for".

What does "even harder for" imply in a sentence?

The phrase "even harder for" suggests that a situation or task is not only difficult but presents an additional layer of complexity or challenge for a specific individual or group.

Is there a difference between "more difficult for" and "even harder for"?

"More difficult for" simply indicates a greater level of difficulty. "Even harder for" implies that something is already challenging, and it's becoming significantly "more challenging" for a particular person or group.

When should I avoid using "even harder for" in my writing?

Avoid using "even harder for" if the difficulty isn't already established or if a simpler alternative like "more difficult" suffices. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound repetitive or less precise.