hard time obtaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard time obtaining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing difficulty in acquiring or getting something. Example: "I had a hard time obtaining the necessary documents for my application."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Food companies are already having a hard time obtaining nongenetically modified crops.

The New York Times

Even healthy operators have a hard time obtaining bank loans for expansion.

The New York Times

He added that consumers were having a hard time obtaining satisfactory loan terms.

The New York Times

Traditionally, small businesses have had a hard time obtaining commercial credit, and that is worsened in rough economic times, several brokers said.

The New York Times

But given that Beijing is in full propaganda mode, such a mission will have a hard time obtaining any real facts.

The New York Times

C1 New Use for Old Program Fifty years ago, Congress allowed the creation of tax-exempt insurance firms for farmers who had a hard time obtaining insurance.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Had rating agencies known about the additional loans, Enron might have had a harder time obtaining credit in other markets.

The New York Times

Due to population density and the way the map is drawn, patients in California and New York have a much harder time obtaining a donated organ than people in South Carolina or Washington state.

Vice

After the Soviet collapse, government funding sharply declined for manufacturers of aircraft and spare parts, hence other countries such as Iran who are using their planes have had a harder time obtaining parts and have had to resort to cannibalizing planes from their own fleet.

Huffington Post

2 Depression is treatable, but individuals often have a hard time recognising it and obtaining proper treatment.

BMJ Open

Stacey Wood had a hard time finding a paying position after obtaining a master's degree in counseling psychology in 2008 from the Institute for Transpersonal Psychology in Palo Alto, Calif.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hard time obtaining", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific item or goal is proving difficult to acquire. For example, specify "hard time obtaining funding" rather than just "hard time".

Common error

Avoid using "hard time obtaining" without specifying what is being obtained. Vague statements can lack impact and leave the reader guessing. Be specific to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard time obtaining" functions as a modifier expressing difficulty in acquiring something. It commonly appears after a subject, indicating the subject's struggle or challenge. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in various contexts, such as obtaining loans or resources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hard time obtaining" is a versatile phrase used to describe difficulty in acquiring something, as verified by Ludwig. It functions as a modifier, conveying challenges across diverse contexts, from news to formal documents. Although grammatically correct and commonly used, as evidenced by numerous examples, being specific about what is difficult to obtain is crucial for clarity. While Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity, alternatives such as "difficulty acquiring" or "struggling to get" can add nuance depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficulty acquiring

Focuses more directly on the presence of difficulty, using a gerund to emphasize the process of acquisition.

struggling to get

Emphasizes the effort and struggle involved in the process of obtaining.

having difficulty getting

More formal and emphasizes the state of experiencing difficulty.

finding it difficult to obtain

Highlights the act of finding the process challenging.

encountering obstacles in acquiring

Emphasizes the hurdles faced during the acquisition process.

facing challenges obtaining

Highlights the confrontation with difficulties.

experiencing trouble getting

Focuses on the trouble encountered while attempting to get something.

laboring to secure

Implies a strenuous effort to secure something.

challenged in procuring

More formal, suggesting difficulties in the act of procuring.

striving to attain

Suggests a dedicated effort, often against considerable difficulty, to achieve or attain something.

FAQs

What does "hard time obtaining" mean?

The phrase "hard time obtaining" means experiencing significant difficulty or challenges in acquiring or getting something. It suggests that the process of getting something is not easy and requires considerable effort.

How can I use "hard time obtaining" in a sentence?

You can use "hard time obtaining" in a sentence to describe a challenging situation. For example, "Small businesses are having a "hard time obtaining" loans during the recession." Or, "Students had a "hard time obtaining" the necessary textbooks for the course."

What are some alternatives to "hard time obtaining"?

Some alternatives to "hard time obtaining" include "difficulty acquiring", "struggling to get", or "having difficulty getting". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "hard time obtaining" formal or informal?

"Hard time obtaining" is generally considered neutral in tone. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal situations may benefit from alternatives like "encountering obstacles in acquiring" or "facing challenges obtaining".