hard to know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard to know" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty or difficulty in understanding or determining something. Example: "It's hard to know what the future holds for us in these uncertain times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Very hard to know.

The New York Times

Hard to know.

The New York Times - Arts

He's hard to know.

The New York Times - Arts

That's hard to know.

The New York Times

It's dismayingly hard to know.

The New York Times - Arts

It is hard to know.

The New York Times

JEFFREY TOOBIN: Hard to know.

The New Yorker

It was hard to know.

The New York Times

But it's hard to know.

The New York Times

It's hard to know exactly.

The New York Times

Also very hard to know.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hard to know", ensure the context clearly indicates what is difficult to ascertain. Providing potential reasons for the uncertainty can strengthen your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "hard to know" when the information is actually available or easily obtainable. Overusing the phrase can weaken your argument and make you seem less informed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to know" functions as an adjective phrase expressing epistemic uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to indicate that obtaining definitive knowledge or understanding about something is challenging.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hard to know" is a versatile phrase used to express uncertainty or difficulty in understanding something. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to academic discussions. While alternatives like ""difficult to ascertain"" or ""challenging to determine"" exist, "hard to know" remains a common and acceptable choice. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media sources, reflecting its widespread use in discussing uncertain or complex issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to ascertain

Emphasizes the difficulty in discovering or establishing something definitively.

challenging to determine

Highlights the demanding nature of the determination process.

not easy to figure out

Uses simpler language to convey the complexity of understanding something.

remains uncertain

Focuses on the continuing lack of certainty surrounding a topic.

it is unclear

Directly states the lack of clarity on a particular matter.

difficult to comprehend

Stresses the struggle to fully grasp or understand something.

the answer is elusive

Suggests that the solution or explanation is hard to catch or define.

it's anyone's guess

Implies that the outcome is purely speculative and unpredictable.

impossible to predict

Focuses on the inability to foresee or anticipate what will happen.

subject to speculation

Indicates that the matter is open to conjecture and diverse interpretations.

FAQs

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

You can use "hard to know" to express uncertainty about a situation. For example, "It's "hard to know" what the long-term effects of the policy will be."

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

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "difficult to ascertain", "challenging to determine", or "it is unclear".

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

Yes, "hard to know" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English.

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

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "hard to know" is generally considered more informal. "Difficult to know" might be preferred in more formal writing, although both are acceptable.