hard to explain

USAGE SUMMARY

"hard to explain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something is complex or difficult to understand or describe. For example, "Quantum physics can be hard to explain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's hard to explain.

The New York Times - Arts

That's hard to explain.

The New York Times

Misuse is hard to explain.

The New Yorker

It is hard to explain.

The New York Times

"It's hard to explain sometimes".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's really hard to explain".

The New York Times

"It was hard to explain".

The New York Times

It's hard to explain otherwise.

The New York Times

HECTOR: It's hard to explain.

The New Yorker

That is hard to explain.

Independent

His stubbornness is not hard to explain.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "hard to explain" with specific examples or analogies to make abstract concepts more tangible. Even if a full explanation is elusive, providing relatable reference points can aid understanding and engagement.

Common error

Avoid relying on "hard to explain" as a substitute for attempting a clear explanation. While it's acceptable to acknowledge complexity, strive to provide as much clarity as possible instead of simply dismissing the topic as inherently inexplicable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to explain" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying an implied or stated subject. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It indicates a quality or state of being difficult to elucidate, understand, or describe.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Sports

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hard to explain" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to preface complex or abstract topics. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability and grammatical soundness. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Sports, the phrase serves to manage expectations and acknowledge the inherent difficulty in providing a complete or easily understandable explanation. While valuable for acknowledging complexity, it's crucial to avoid overusing it as a substitute for providing meaningful clarity or detail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to articulate

This alternative emphasizes the struggle to verbally express something clearly.

tough to elucidate

This phrase highlights the challenge in making something understandable.

challenging to comprehend

This version focuses on the difficulty from the perspective of the one trying to understand.

not easily understood

This alternative uses a passive construction to indicate the lack of ease in understanding something.

beyond simple explanation

This suggests that a more complex or nuanced explanation is required.

defies easy description

This option conveys that something is resistant to being easily described.

elusive to define

This suggests that something is difficult to capture with a precise definition.

resistant to clarity

This emphasizes the obstacle in achieving a clear understanding.

obscure in its reasoning

This highlights the lack of transparency or obvious logic behind something.

intricate to unravel

This option suggests the complexity involves disentangling many related aspects.

FAQs

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

You can use "hard to explain" to preface something complex or abstract, such as "The phenomenon is "hard to explain", but it involves quantum entanglement." or "His motivations are "hard to explain", even to himself."

What are some alternatives to "hard to explain"?

Some alternatives include "difficult to articulate", "challenging to comprehend", or "not easily understood", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "hard to explain" grammatically correct?

Yes, "hard to explain" is grammatically correct and a commonly used phrase in English. It functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive verb, indicating something is difficult to elucidate.

When is it appropriate to use "hard to explain" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "hard to explain" when acknowledging the complexity or ambiguity of a topic, especially when a full explanation is challenging or impossible within the given context. However, it shouldn't replace an attempt at providing some level of explanation.