hard to change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard to change" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is difficult to alter or modify, whether it's a habit, opinion, or system. Example: "The company's culture is hard to change, as it has been established over many years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is hard to change.

The Economist

Habits are hard to change.

The Economist

"It's hard to change.

The Guardian

Some habits are hard to change.

The Economist

Public perception is hard to change.

The New York Times

Is it hard to change?

Harvard University

Those are hard to change.

The New York Times - Sports

They are hard to change.

The New York Times

It's hard to change course.

Harvard Business Review

Alicia: "I'm trying very hard to change".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Solution and temperature were the hard-to-change factors.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "hard to change", consider the specific context to determine if a more precise synonym like "resistant", "challenging", or "difficult" would be more appropriate. This enhances clarity and avoids overgeneralization.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everything that's "hard to change" is impossible to change. Acknowledge the difficulty but consider the potential for gradual or incremental progress. Overstating immutability can lead to inaction or missed opportunities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to change" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, followed by an infinitive. It describes the degree of difficulty associated with altering or modifying something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hard to change" is a grammatically sound and prevalent expression used to convey the difficulty in altering something. As Ludwig AI clearly states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It appears frequently in "News & Media", academic writings, and scientific publications, with a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. While the phrase indicates a challenge, it doesn't necessarily imply impossibility. Consider synonyms like "difficult to alter" or "challenging to modify" for nuanced expression, and avoid assuming that everything "hard to change" is immutable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to alter

Replaces "hard" with "difficult" and "change" with "alter", both synonyms, maintaining similar intensity.

challenging to modify

Substitutes "hard" with "challenging" and "change" with "modify", suggesting a difficult but potentially achievable task.

not easy to transform

Uses a negative construction with "not easy" instead of "hard" and replaces "change" with "transform", implying a more significant alteration.

resistant to modification

Shifts the focus to the object being changed, describing it as "resistant", suggesting inherent opposition to change.

tough to reform

Replaces "hard" with "tough" and "change" with "reform", often used when referring to systems or behaviors.

inflexible to adjust

Implies an unyielding nature, using "inflexible" and "adjust" to suggest difficulty in making even minor alterations.

firmly established

Suggests that something is difficult to change because it is well established or rooted.

deep-rooted

This implies that the difficulty in changing something stems from its deeply ingrained nature.

difficult to reverse

Highlights the difficulty in undoing or changing a process or decision that has already been made.

unlikely to evolve

Suggests a low probability of natural or gradual change, focusing on the lack of spontaneous transformation.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "hard to change"?

Alternatives include "difficult to alter", "challenging to modify", or "resistant to modification", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

You might say, "The company culture is hard to change because it has been in place for decades," or "Some habits are hard to change, but persistence is key."

What makes something "hard to change"?

Factors that contribute to something being "hard to change" can include deeply ingrained habits, established systems, strong resistance, or significant effort required for modification.

Is it ever correct to say "hardly to change" instead of "hard to change"?

No, "hardly to change" is not grammatically correct. "Hard" functions as an adjective describing the difficulty, while "hardly" means "barely" or "scarcely" and doesn't fit the intended meaning. Always use "hard to change".