hard to bear

USAGE SUMMARY

'hard to bear' is Correct and Usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to describe something that is difficult to tolerate. Example: Watching his ailing grandmother suffer without being able to do anything was hard to bear.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's so hard to bear".

The New York Times

I found the incarceration hard to bear.

Independent

Unsurprisingly, he finds criticism hard to bear.

The Economist

It was hard to bear.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The second shift was hard to bear.

The Guardian - Money

But the cold and isolation could be hard to bear.

The New Yorker

Guillermo Asca's entire manner was hard to bear.

The New York Times - Arts

This is all rather touching but hard to bear.

The New Yorker

Her grief, she said, has been hard to bear.

The New York Times

In Les Bosquets, people find that image hard to bear.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The tension was hard to bear.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hard to bear" when you want to express that something is emotionally or physically difficult to endure. It's often used to describe situations causing significant distress.

Common error

While "hard to bear" is grammatically sound, avoid using it in overly casual or trivial situations. Opt for less intense phrases when describing minor inconveniences to maintain appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to bear" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating the degree of difficulty in tolerating or enduring something. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hard to bear" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something difficult to endure or tolerate. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various contexts. Its prevalence in news media and academic writing highlights its versatility, while its relatively neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal settings. Understanding the nuances of "hard to bear" and its alternatives, such as "difficult to tolerate" or "challenging to endure", can enhance clarity and precision in writing. Remember to use this phrase appropriately, avoiding overuse in trivial situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to tolerate

Emphasizes the challenge in accepting or enduring something.

challenging to endure

Highlights the demanding nature of the experience.

tough to withstand

Focuses on the strength required to cope with something.

unpleasant to experience

Shifts the focus to the disagreeable nature of the event.

trying to put up with

Indicates an ongoing effort to manage a difficult situation.

onerous to deal with

Stresses the burdensome aspect of the matter.

grievous to suffer

Emphasizes the pain and distress involved.

insufferable to live through

Highlights the unbearable nature of the ordeal.

intolerable to abide

Focuses on the inability to accept or permit something.

excruciating to countenance

Stresses the extreme pain and difficulty in accepting something.

FAQs

How can I use "hard to bear" in a sentence?

Use "hard to bear" to describe situations, feelings, or experiences that are difficult to endure or tolerate. For example, "The grief was "hard to bear" after the loss."

What are some alternatives to "hard to bear"?

You can use alternatives like "difficult to tolerate", "challenging to endure", or "tough to withstand" depending on the specific context.

Is "hard to bear" formal or informal?

"Hard to bear" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in writing or when discussing serious topics. In very casual conversation, simpler alternatives might be preferred.

Which is correct, "hard to bear" or "hardly to bear"?

"Hard to bear" is the correct and standard phrase. "Hardly to bear" is grammatically incorrect and not used in English.