hard question

USAGE SUMMARY

'hard question' is correct and can be used in written English.
You might use this phrase to describe a difficult or complex question, or as an introduction to a difficult question. For example: "Can you answer this hard question? What is the capital of France?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Hard question.

The Guardian - Music

That's a hard question.

The New York Times

It is a hard question.

The New York Times

Wow – what a hard question!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's a very hard question!

Independent

JUDITH THURMAN: Very hard question.

The New Yorker

So, another hard question.

The Guardian

It's a hard question.

The Guardian - Film

JEFFREY TOOBIN: Hard question, not really sure.

The New Yorker

"That's a hard question," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Others posed hard questions.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If a "hard question" requires a nuanced answer, break it down into smaller, more manageable parts to address each aspect thoroughly.

Common error

Avoid providing a simplistic or rushed answer to a "hard question". Take the time to consider all facets and potential implications before responding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard question" functions as a noun phrase that includes an adjective ("hard") modifying the noun ("question"). It is used to describe the characteristic of the question, highlighting its difficulty. Ludwig examples show that it is often used as an introduction before trying to answer.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hard question" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a question that is challenging to answer. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and suggests that it’s often used to introduce a difficult or complex query. As shown by Ludwig, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When using the phrase "hard question", be sure to acknowledge the complexity before attempting to answer, and avoid providing oversimplified responses. Consider alternatives such as "tough question" or "difficult question" depending on the specific shade of meaning you intend to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Tough question

Replaces "hard" with a synonym emphasizing the difficulty of the question.

Difficult question

Uses a direct synonym for "hard" to describe the nature of the question.

Challenging question

Emphasizes the intellectual demand the question poses.

Complex question

Highlights the intricate nature of the question requiring a nuanced response.

Complicated question

Very similar to "complex question", suggesting multiple interwoven parts.

Intricate question

Similar to "complex", but emphasizes the detailed and interwoven aspects of the question.

Problematic question

Suggests the question raises issues or difficulties in finding a satisfactory answer.

Demanding question

Stresses the cognitive effort required to address the question adequately.

Delicate question

Implies that the question needs to be handled with care, often due to sensitive implications.

Tricky question

Suggests the question is designed to deceive or mislead if not carefully considered.

FAQs

What does it mean to call something a "hard question"?

Calling something a "hard question" means it is difficult to answer due to its complexity, sensitivity, or lack of readily available information. It often requires careful consideration and nuanced understanding.

What can I say instead of "hard question"?

You can use alternatives like "tough question", "difficult question", or "challenging question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to acknowledge a "hard question"?

Acknowledging that a question is a "hard question" can be a sign of respect for the questioner and the complexity of the issue. However, consider the context and audience; in some situations, a direct, confident answer may be more appropriate.

How do I prepare for a "hard question" in an interview?

Anticipate potential "hard questions" related to the interview topic. Research the issues, consider different perspectives, and practice formulating thoughtful, well-reasoned responses.