hard

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "hard" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something or someone that is difficult, intense, or requiring a lot of effort. For example: "This algebra problem is really hard!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is not hard to see why.

The New York Times

"We're working hard over the holiday period to make the necessary adjustments to our timetable as a consequence, and to provide as much information as we can".

The Guardian - Business

That's a hard question.

The New York Times

That's a hard one.

The New York Times

We work very hard and I am just pleased our vote held up.

The Guardian

"I come from a working class background, it wasn't easy for me at all, backgrounded hard.

The Guardian - Sport

But times are hard.

The Guardian

"It's hard to gauge.

The Guardian - Film

It was hard work".

The New York Times - Sports

It's not hard to figure out why.

The New York Times - Food

This can be hard.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hard" to describe effort, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "Difficult" might be more appropriate for complex tasks, while "strenuous" emphasizes physical exertion. Choose the word that best fits the context.

Common error

Avoid using "hard" as a one-size-fits-all descriptor. Be specific about the type of difficulty or effort involved. For example, instead of saying "It's hard," specify whether it's "challenging", "complex", or "requires intense focus".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "hard" varies. It functions as an adjective describing a quality (e.g., "hard evidence"), an adverb modifying a verb (e.g., "work hard"), or a noun referring to a physical place. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and usable in several ways.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hard" is a versatile word functioning as an adjective, adverb, or noun to convey difficulty, intensity, or solidity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. While highly common, it's best to select alternative words such as "difficult", "tough", or "challenging" to precisely convey the intended meaning and avoid overuse. Pay attention to the context to ensure you're using "hard" with the correct part of speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult

Indicates a task or situation that requires significant effort or skill, similar to "hard" but perhaps less forceful.

tough

Implies resilience and the ability to withstand hardship, akin to the challenging aspect of "hard".

challenging

Highlights the stimulating and demanding nature of a task, similar to the effort required by something "hard".

demanding

Emphasizes the high requirements and expectations associated with a task, mirroring the intensity of "hard".

arduous

Suggests a task that is strenuous and laborious, reflecting the effort implied by "hard".

strenuous

Focuses on the energy and effort required, similar to the demanding nature of "hard".

laborious

Highlights the time and effort involved, akin to the demanding aspect of "hard".

taxing

Emphasizes the depleting effect of a task, reflecting the intensity of "hard".

grueling

Implies an exhausting and relentless effort, mirroring the intensity of "hard".

rigorous

Highlights the strict and demanding nature, similar to the discipline required by something "hard".

FAQs

How can I use "hard" in a sentence?

"Hard" can be used as an adjective (e.g., "a hard problem"), an adverb (e.g., "work hard"), or a noun (e.g., "a firm beach"). The context dictates the appropriate usage.

What's the difference between "hard" and "difficult"?

While often interchangeable, "hard" can sometimes imply a physical property or resistance, whereas "difficult" typically refers to something requiring significant mental effort or skill.

When should I use "hardly" instead of "hard"?

"Hard" is an adjective or adverb indicating intensity or difficulty. "Hardly" is an adverb meaning "barely" or "scarcely". For example, "He worked hard" versus "He hardly worked at all."

What are some alternatives to "work hard"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "exert effort", "strive", "dedicate yourself", or "toil". Consider alternatives that more precisely capture the specific action and level of intensity.