hard to meet

USAGE SUMMARY

"hard to meet" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that requires a lot of effort or difficulty. For example, "The tightening of the deadline was hard to meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's hard to meet people.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's not hard to meet somebody.

The New York Times

It is hard to meet their eye.

The Guardian

It's hard to meet really nice people.

The New York Times

It is hard to meet the various customer's demands.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

However, the conditions are extremely hard to meet in practice.

Journal of Network and Computer Applications

But her search criteria are hard to meet.

The New York Times

He found it very hard to meet people.

The New Yorker

But that also makes it hard to meet the standards.

The Economist

"The level won't be that hard to meet.

The Guardian

It's just so hard to meet… Actually, no.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hard to meet" to describe a goal or expectation, ensure the subject clearly defines what is proving difficult to achieve. For example, instead of saying "It's hard to meet", specify "It's hard to meet the deadline".

Common error

Avoid using "hard to meet" without context. Saying "Life is hard to meet" is vague. Instead, clarify the specific aspect that presents difficulty, such as "It's hard to meet new people after moving to a new city."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to meet" functions as an adjective phrase modifying an implied or stated noun. It describes the difficulty or challenge associated with meeting a particular standard, goal, or person. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and understandable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

28%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hard to meet" is a versatile and widely used expression to describe the difficulty in achieving a goal, fulfilling a requirement, or connecting with someone. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is commonly found in news articles, scientific publications, and academic papers. When using this phrase, it's important to provide clear context and specify what exactly is proving difficult. While alternatives like "difficult to achieve" or "challenging to fulfill" exist, "hard to meet" provides a direct and easily understood way to communicate a challenge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to achieve

Emphasizes the challenge in reaching a particular goal.

challenging to fulfill

Highlights the demanding nature of completing a task or obligation.

tough to accomplish

Focuses on the resilience required to succeed.

not easy to find

Indicates the struggle in locating or discovering something or someone.

hard to come by

Suggests scarcity or limited availability.

demanding to satisfy

Highlights the high standards required to meet expectations.

requires significant effort

Emphasizes the amount of work needed.

presents considerable difficulties

Focuses on the problems encountered.

not a simple task

Indicates that the activity is complex and involved.

poses a major obstacle

Highlights the barriers that must be overcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "hard to meet" to describe a difficult goal or challenge. For example, "It's hard to meet the sales targets this quarter."

What are some alternatives to "hard to meet"?

Alternatives include phrases like "difficult to achieve", "challenging to fulfill", or "tough to accomplish", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "hard to meet with someone"?

While grammatically acceptable, "hard to meet with someone" can often be simplified to "hard to meet someone", which is more concise and commonly used.

What's the difference between "hard to meet" and "hard to find"?

"Hard to meet" typically refers to difficulty in achieving a goal or expectation, while "hard to find" refers to the difficulty in locating something or someone. For example, "It's hard to meet the requirements" versus "It's "not easy to find" a reliable mechanic."