hard to assert that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard to assert that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing difficulty in making a claim or statement about something. Example: "Given the lack of evidence, it is hard to assert that the theory is valid."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"It is very hard to assert that overall output will rise if you cut 20% of your hours across the economy as a whole," he said.

The Guardian

And it is hard to assert that there is an interconnected group of wireless Web sites that are easily accessible.

The New York Times

Gareth Peirce, Abu Qatada's lawyer, said: "It has always been astonishing that this country has fought long and hard to assert that a violation of such a fundamental legal principle should take place.

BBC

Most would say it is hard to assert that someone was "kicked out when their term was over" when their term still isn't over.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But as the response rates have dropped, to the point where only about 10% of the calls actually end in an interview, it's become harder to assert that the people who answer the phone aren't somehow different from those who don't.

Harvard Business Review

While that may stand up in comment section arguments, it's harder to assert that Sophir, an expert in the field who evaluates such situations for her profession, failed to closely read the memo.

TechCrunch

The eurozone crisis had ended any prospect of Britain joining the single currency, so it was not hard for him to assert that sterling was safe as long as he was in charge.

The Guardian

To assert that ancestors are hypothetical is to assert that evolutionary descent itself is hypothetical.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Given that we do not have similar studies in the country to compare our results, it is hard to assert the exact accuracy of the self-reported data.

BMC Health Services Research

And if you believe it is the highest virtue for a person to remain for ever himself, it is hard then to assert that the highest virtue is for a person to be for ever someone else.

Independent

With responsible officials from two levels of government and both political parties calling for a cleanup, it will be hard for G.E. to assert that it is a victim of environmentalism run amok.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hard to assert that", ensure the context clearly indicates why the assertion is difficult. Providing a brief explanation strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "hard to assert that" when a stronger phrase like "impossible to prove" is more accurate. Choose the phrasing that best reflects the actual level of uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to assert that" functions as a qualifier, expressing a degree of uncertainty or difficulty in making a statement. As shown by Ludwig, it's used to introduce claims that lack solid evidence or are otherwise problematic.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hard to assert that" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to express difficulty or uncertainty in making a claim. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is most often used in News & Media and Science, expressing a qualification of an assertion that can't be strongly proved. It's crucial to provide context explaining why the assertion is difficult and to avoid overstating the level of uncertainty. Alternative phrases, such as "difficult to maintain that" or "challenging to argue that", can add nuance to the statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to maintain that

Emphasizes the challenge in upholding a previous assertion.

challenging to argue that

Highlights the difficulty in providing a convincing argument for a claim.

tough to contend that

Stresses the firmness required to defend a certain point of view.

not easy to claim that

States simply that a specific claim is not easily made.

it's doubtful that one can say

Expresses more doubt about the validity of the claim or idea than just asserting that it's hard.

it is questionable whether one can state

Implies the veracity is dubious on whether an assertion can be made

it's improbable to suggest that

Conveys a lower likelihood of a claim being true or supportable.

unlikely to affirm that

Focuses on the improbability of confirming or validating something.

difficult to be certain that

Emphasizes the lack of definitive proof or evidence.

hard to be sure that

Highlights the lack of confidence in the validity of something.

FAQs

How can I use "hard to assert that" in a sentence?

You can use "hard to assert that" to express doubt or difficulty in making a claim. For example, "It's "hard to assert that" the policy will be effective without further data."

What are some alternatives to "hard to assert that"?

Alternatives include phrases like "difficult to maintain that", "challenging to argue that", or "not easy to claim that". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "hard to assert that"?

Yes, "hard to assert that" is grammatically correct. It's a common way to express the difficulty in making a definitive statement.

What does "hard to assert that" imply about a statement?

Using "hard to assert that" suggests that there's a lack of sufficient evidence, a logical flaw, or some other reason making the claim unreliable or unprovable.