hard to gauge

USAGE SUMMARY

"hard to gauge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is difficult to measure or estimate the size or extent of, such as the public's opinion on a topic. For example, "It is hard to gauge how the public will respond to the changes in healthcare policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's hard to gauge.

The Guardian - Film

Hard to gauge.

The New York Times

Humor is hard to gauge, of course.

The New York Times

It is hard to gauge prices accurately.

The New York Times

It was hard to gauge their enthusiasm.

The New Yorker

But it's hard to gauge the mood.

The New York Times

Labour support is hard to gauge.

The Guardian

Still, it's hard to gauge the Lions.

The New York Times - Sports

But these dynamics are hard to gauge.

The New York Times - Arts

It's hard to gauge what happens next.

The Washington Post

The political implications are hard to gauge.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hard to gauge", ensure the context clearly indicates what is difficult to measure or assess. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "hard to gauge" when describing purely subjective experiences or opinions. While it's suitable for scenarios where objective measurement is challenging, using it for personal feelings can sound awkward. Instead, opt for phrases like "difficult to understand" or "challenging to articulate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to gauge" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by describing the difficulty in assessing or measuring something. It is commonly used to express uncertainty or a lack of clear information about a particular subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hard to gauge" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate the difficulty in measuring, assessing, or predicting something. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. It's prevalent in news media, scientific publications, and academic writing, with a neutral register making it appropriate for various contexts. Remember to use it when you genuinely want to convey the challenge of objective assessment, and consider alternatives such as "difficult to ascertain" or "challenging to estimate" for subtle variations in meaning. Avoid overusing it in subjective contexts where more descriptive alternatives might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to ascertain

Emphasizes the difficulty in finding something out for certain.

challenging to estimate

Focuses on the difficulty of making an approximate calculation or judgment.

tough to evaluate

Highlights the struggle in assessing the value or quality of something.

not easy to determine

Underscores the lack of ease in establishing something definitively.

obscure to predict

Stresses the inability to foresee something due to its ambiguous nature.

unclear to quantify

Focuses on the challenge of expressing something numerically.

difficult to fathom

Highlights the difficulty in understanding or comprehending something complex.

not readily apparent

Indicates that something is not immediately obvious or easily noticed.

remains uncertain

Implies that the status of something is unresolved or indefinite.

its impact is unknown

Emphasizes the lack of knowledge about the effect something has.

FAQs

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

"Hard to gauge" is used to describe something that is difficult to measure or estimate. For instance, "It's "hard to gauge" the impact of the new policy without more data."

What are some alternatives to "hard to gauge"?

Alternatives include phrases like "difficult to ascertain", "challenging to estimate", or "tough to evaluate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "hard to gauge" or "difficult to gauge"?

Both "hard to gauge" and "difficult to gauge" are grammatically correct and interchangeable. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations, as they convey the same meaning.

When should I avoid using "hard to gauge"?

Avoid using "hard to gauge" in situations where a more precise term is available or when describing purely subjective experiences. In such cases, alternatives like "difficult to understand" or "challenging to articulate" may be more appropriate.