finding it hard to understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "finding it hard to understand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing difficulty in comprehending something, whether it's a concept, text, or situation. Example: "After reading the article, I found it hard to understand the author's main argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

He had been on Henman Hill the previous day and was finding it hard to understand the complicated response to the tournament; what it said about the class system and nationality.

The Guardian - Sport

His comments after driving the car, that the team were finding it hard to understand the car, are very typical of him.

BBC

I'm finding it hard to understand why any reasonable person or organization -- including the organizers of the presidential debates -- wouldn't want Johnson to be part of them.

Huffington Post

His wife, Nihad, said that he was innocent and called the sentence a "tragedy," adding that her four children aged from six to 17 years were finding it hard to understand what was happening.

Vice

I am finding it hard to understand why some Republican members of Congress who voted for the shutdown and who promised to give up their paychecks have reneged on that promise.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

People find it hard to understand".

The Guardian

I find it hard to understand.

The Guardian

Patients who suffer from pain find it hard to understand that they have to be active".

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

After 24 years here, I can understand senior colleagues finding it hard to give up the life of the critic when there is always some theatrical enticement or other in sight - a new generation graduating to the great roles or illuminating another vibrant new play.

The Guardian

FINDING it hard to wait a full seven days before the next episode of, say, "America's Next Top Model?" Not to worry — TV Guide understands.

The New York Times

You're finding it hard to walk".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "finding it hard to understand", provide context to clarify what is causing the difficulty, enhancing the clarity of your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "finding it hard to understand" without specifying what you are struggling to understand. Always provide enough information to make your difficulty clear to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "finding it hard to understand" functions as a means of expressing a cognitive difficulty. Ludwig shows that it commonly introduces explanations or justifications for a lack of comprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "finding it hard to understand" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express difficulty in comprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, provide clear context to enhance understanding. Alternative phrases include "struggling to understand" and "having difficulty understanding". Be mindful of overuse without providing context to maintain clarity. The phrase serves primarily to communicate a cognitive challenge and invite further explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

struggling to understand

Emphasizes the effort being made to comprehend, suggesting a more active struggle.

having difficulty understanding

A more formal way of expressing the same difficulty in comprehension.

finding it difficult to comprehend

Replaces "understand" with "comprehend", increasing the formality of the phrase.

unable to grasp the concept

Focuses on the inability to fully understand a specific idea or concept.

at a loss to understand

Suggests a state of confusion or bewilderment, unable to find a way to understand.

can't make sense of it

A more informal way of saying something is incomprehensible or illogical.

perplexed by

Highlights the state of being confused or puzzled by something.

baffled by

Indicates a state of being completely puzzled and unable to understand.

confused about

Directly states a state of confusion regarding a particular topic or situation.

not able to fathom

Implies an inability to deeply understand or comprehend something complex.

FAQs

What does "finding it hard to understand" mean?

The phrase "finding it hard to understand" means experiencing difficulty in comprehending something, whether it's a concept, a situation, or information.

How can I use "finding it hard to understand" in a sentence?

You can use "finding it hard to understand" to express your difficulty in grasping something. For example, "I am finding it hard to understand the instructions."

Which is a more formal alternative to "finding it hard to understand"?

A more formal alternative is "having difficulty understanding", which conveys a similar meaning but with a more sophisticated tone.

What can I say instead of "finding it hard to understand"?

You can use alternatives such as "struggling to understand", "unable to grasp the concept", or "can't make sense of it" depending on the context.