hard to give

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard to give" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing difficulty in providing something, such as information, feedback, or a response. Example: "It's hard to give a definitive answer without more information about the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's hard to give a definitive answer.

The Washington Post

It's very hard to give recommendations.

Harvard Business Review

It's hard to give up the reins.

Harvard Business Review

It's not so hard to give heat".

The New York Times

Some find it hard to give up their estates.

The New York Times

Needs to be driven hard to give its best.

Independent

It's hard to give movement to a story about stasis.

The New York Times - Books

But it's hard to give much weight to the quote.

The New York Times

He tried hard to give it a definition.

The Economist

"I find it very hard to give presents," he says.

The New Yorker

It's especially hard to give critical feedback to anybody.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hard to give", ensure the context clearly indicates what is difficult to give, whether it's information, feedback, or an object. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

While "hard to give" is widely understood, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound less professional. Opt for synonyms like "difficult to provide" or "challenging to offer" in business or academic settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to give" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying an implied or stated noun. Ludwig AI confirms that it is usable in written English. It describes the difficulty associated with performing the action of giving something, whether it's an object, information, or advice.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

2.5%

Wiki

2.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hard to give" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express difficulty in providing or relinquishing something. Ludwig AI indicates its general correctness. It finds frequent use in News & Media and Academia but can be replaced with more formal alternatives like "difficult to provide" in professional contexts. When using "hard to give", ensure clarity in what is difficult to give and be mindful of the context to maintain an appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to provide

Replaces "hard" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing the difficulty in supplying something.

challenging to offer

Substitutes both "hard" and "give" with synonyms, highlighting the demanding nature of offering something.

not easy to impart

Uses a more complex vocabulary to convey the difficulty in conveying or bestowing something.

tough to relinquish

Focuses on the difficulty of letting go or surrendering something.

strenuous to grant

Emphasizes the effort required to give or allow something.

demanding to allocate

Highlights the rigorous nature of distributing or assigning something.

awkward to present

Focuses on the unease or discomfort associated with giving or showing something.

inconvenient to surrender

Highlights the impracticality or trouble associated with giving something up.

uncomfortable to bestow

Focuses on the feeling of unease associated with giving or conferring something.

a struggle to impart

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty involved in conveying or giving something.

FAQs

What does "hard to give" mean?

The expression "hard to give" means that something is difficult to provide, offer, or relinquish. The difficulty can stem from various reasons, such as emotional attachment, lack of information, or practical constraints.

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

You can use "hard to give" in a sentence to express difficulty in offering something, such as "It's "hard to give feedback" when you don't have all the facts", or "It's "hard to give up" something you love".

What are some alternatives to "hard to give"?

Some alternatives to "hard to give" include "difficult to provide", "challenging to offer", or "tough to relinquish", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "hard to give"?

"Hard to give" is appropriate in various contexts, from informal conversations to formal writing. However, in highly formal settings, consider using synonyms like "difficult to provide" to maintain a professional tone.