hard to exist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard to exist" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or feeling where someone finds it challenging to continue living or functioning in a particular context. Example: "In a world filled with constant challenges and pressures, it sometimes feels hard to exist."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"But it is hard to exist in Hollywood".

The Guardian - Film

It becomes legally very hard to exist as a Jewish person in Germany.

Cornell University

It's very easy to do that now, and for young photographers, it's a bit hard to exist because of the overflow of images.

The New York Times

"The truth is that, without financial backing, it is now very hard to exist in England, but when I've gone in to Sony and said: 'Look, you need to help us with so-and-so,' they've always done it.

The Guardian - Music

"It's very hard to exist in a media environment where you're considered neutral, where you see your role as being neutral and apolitical, to continuously come out with stories that say, 'one side is lying, the other side is not,'" says Yochai Benkler in this interview with the LA Times, stemming from his book Network Propaganda: Manipulation, Disinformation, and Radicalization in American Politics.

Harvard University

"It's hard to exist when you feel like you're constantly fighting to keep a roof over your head".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

I tried very hard not to exist to help my mother through her dilemma, which was that weans ruin your life".

The Guardian - Books

But miming gives you the fear of God, and you build it up in your head... "You have to be quite a hard person to exist in that world.

The Guardian

Second, there existed an early stage in the survival period in which the entrepreneur worked hard just to exist- to obtain enough customers to become a true business or to move the product from a pilot stage into quantity production at an adequate level of quality.

Harvard Business Review

Jazz is an exceptionally hard world to exist and thrive in.

HuffPost

Suddenly, what was a perfectly viable, profitable business is now working really hard just to exist.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hard to exist" to convey a sense of struggle or difficulty in a particular environment or situation. This phrase is particularly effective when describing social, economic, or existential challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "hard to exist" in trivial situations. This phrase carries a significant weight and should be reserved for scenarios where the challenges are genuinely substantial, such as describing systemic oppression or severe personal hardship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to exist" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase modifying an infinitive verb. It describes the degree of difficulty associated with the act of existing or surviving in a particular context. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

29%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hard to exist" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes the difficulties of living or functioning in a particular context. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that while not extremely common, it's recognized and appropriate for various situations. Its usage spans across news, academic, and scientific domains, indicating broad applicability. When using "hard to exist", ensure the context warrants the gravity of the phrase, reserving it for situations involving significant challenges to well-being or survival. Consider related phrases like "difficult to survive" or "challenging to live" for alternative phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to survive

Focuses on the challenges related to basic survival, implying a struggle to stay alive.

challenging to live

Highlights the difficulties experienced in daily life, emphasizing the effort required to maintain a standard of living.

tough to get by

Emphasizes the struggle to manage everyday needs and circumstances.

hard to make ends meet

Specifically addresses the financial difficulties of covering basic expenses.

difficult to function

Focuses on the impaired ability to operate effectively or normally.

challenging to thrive

Suggests an environment that hinders personal growth and success.

tough to flourish

Similar to "challenging to thrive", it implies an inability to prosper or develop fully.

difficult to subsist

Highlights the struggle to maintain life at a minimal level.

hard to maintain existence

Focuses on the difficulty of continuing to live or be present.

challenging to sustain oneself

Emphasizes the difficulty of supporting or providing for oneself.

FAQs

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

You can use "hard to exist" to describe situations where conditions make survival or well-being difficult. For example: "In some impoverished communities, it's "hard to exist" without external aid".

What are some alternatives to saying "hard to exist"?

Alternatives include phrases like "difficult to survive", "challenging to live", or "tough to get by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "hard to exist"?

Yes, "hard to exist" is grammatically correct. It uses "hard" as an adjective describing the difficulty of the infinitive verb "to exist".

What's the difference between "hard to exist" and "difficult to thrive"?

"Hard to exist" implies a struggle for basic survival, whereas "difficult to thrive" suggests an environment where growth and prosperity are hindered, even if basic survival is possible.