ever harder

USAGE SUMMARY

"ever harder" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to convey a sense of difficulty or toughness that is increasing or never-ending. Example: As the students progressed through their exams, the questions grew ever harder, challenging even the most diligent students.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Competing on price is getting ever harder.

The Economist

So hiring youngsters is ever harder.

The Economist

Boosting circulation is therefore growing ever harder.

The Economist

The cuts bite ever harder.

The Guardian - Opinion

Depressed or anxious, you work ever harder.

The Guardian - Opinion

As they grew, the conglomerates became ever harder to challenge.

The Economist

Iranians are finding it ever harder to make ends meet.

The Economist

Mr Sharon will find it ever harder to govern.

The Economist

And yet, hasn't this view become ever harder to maintain?

The New York Times

And that reality is becoming ever harder to conceal.

The New York Times

"It's ever harder to do that," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ever harder" to emphasize a continuous and increasing level of difficulty or effort. This phrase adds a sense of persistence and growing challenge.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "ever harder" can sound somewhat formal or dramatic in very casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "more difficult" or "tougher" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ever harder" functions as an adverbial modifier, intensifying the degree to which an action or state is becoming more difficult. It adds emphasis to the increasing challenge, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples where tasks or situations "grow ever harder".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ever harder" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a continuous increase in difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, highlighting its frequent occurrence in News & Media contexts. While perfectly acceptable, bear in mind the register can sound more formal and therefore should be used with consideration. Alternatives like "increasingly difficult" or "more challenging" can be suitable substitutions based on context. Understanding these nuances ensures precise and effective communication when describing escalating challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasingly difficult

Replaces "ever harder" with a more common and direct phrase.

becoming more challenging

Focuses on the process of becoming more difficult, suitable for ongoing situations.

progressively tougher

Emphasizes a step-by-step increase in difficulty.

growing increasingly tough

Similar to "becoming more challenging", but with a slightly stronger emphasis.

continually more arduous

Uses a more formal and intense word ("arduous") to describe the difficulty.

increasingly strenuous

Highlights the effort and energy required as the difficulty increases.

bit by bit more demanding

Highlights gradual and progressive increasing on request or effort.

tougher than ever

Emphasizes that the current level of difficulty is the highest it has ever been.

more challenging with each passing day

Suggests the problem is accumulating fast.

proving to be a growing struggle

Highlights the degree of the increased difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "ever harder" to describe something that is continuously becoming more difficult. For example, "As the competition grew, succeeding became "ever harder"".

What are some alternatives to "ever harder"?

Alternatives to "ever harder" include "increasingly difficult", "more challenging", or "progressively tougher" depending on the specific context.

Is "ever harder" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "ever harder" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize the continuous increase in difficulty. It is commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and business reports.

What's the difference between "ever harder" and "even harder"?

"Ever harder" implies a continuous and ongoing increase in difficulty, while "even harder" suggests a greater degree of difficulty compared to a previous state. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the continuous progression or the increased intensity.