hard to move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard to move" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is difficult to physically relocate or change position. Example: "The furniture was so heavy that it was hard to move without assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's hard to move.

The New York Times - Sports

"And they're hard to move around.

The New York Times

"Studios are hard to move right now".

The New York Times

But he will be hard to move.

The Economist

"It wasn't hard to move over.

The Guardian

"It's very, very hard to move the needle".

The New York Times

First, it's hard to move votes in Pennsylvania.

The New York Times

"I've worked hard to move this city forward.

The New York Times

"But the pigs were too hard to move.

The Guardian

It would be hard to move toward dictatorship.

The New York Times

He tried hard to move on from Portsmouth.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context. While broadly applicable, more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "difficult to displace" or "resistant to relocation" for enhanced clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "hard to move" when simpler alternatives like "heavy" or "immobile" would suffice. Overusing the phrase in simple situations can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to move" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the degree of difficulty associated with physically relocating something or, in a figurative sense, changing a situation or opinion. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it is often used in contexts where resistance or immobility is a key factor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hard to move" is a versatile expression used to describe something that presents a challenge in terms of physical relocation or figurative change. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "difficult to relocate" or "resistant to change" may be more suitable for formal settings, "hard to move" remains a common and effective way to convey difficulty or resistance. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in overly simplistic contexts where more direct alternatives might be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to budge

Emphasizes the difficulty in physically moving something or someone.

tough to shift

Highlights the effort required to change position or relocate.

resistant to relocation

Focuses on the object's inherent opposition to being moved.

immobile

Indicates a complete lack of movement or ability to be moved.

difficult to displace

Stresses the challenge in removing something from its current position.

challenging to dislodge

Highlights the difficulty in freeing something that is stuck or fixed.

firmly fixed

Implies a strong and stable position that is not easily changed.

rigid

Suggests an inflexibility that prevents movement or change.

stubbornly stationary

Emphasizes the object's persistent refusal to move.

not easily influenced

Shifts the meaning to resistance to change in a figurative sense, such as opinions or decisions.

FAQs

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

You can use "hard to move" to describe objects or situations that are difficult to change position. For instance, "The piano was "hard to move" because of its weight", or "It's "hard to move" people off incapacity benefit, departmental sources admit".

What are some alternatives to "hard to move"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "difficult to relocate", "tough to shift", or "resistant to change".

Which is correct, "hard to move" or "difficult to move"?

Both "hard to move" and "difficult to move" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. "Difficult to move" may sound slightly more formal, while "hard to move" is more common in everyday language.

What's the difference between "hard to move" and "impossible to move"?

"Hard to move" implies that something is difficult but potentially possible to move with effort. "Impossible to move" means it cannot be moved under any circumstances. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the situation.