hard to operate

USAGE SUMMARY

'hard to operate' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is difficult to use or difficult to understand how it works. For example: "The remote control was hard to operate so I had to read the manual to figure out how it worked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

This temperature-dependent variation of the operation points makes the devices hard to operate properly.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Centrifuge machines are hard to operate.

The Economist

It does mean the screen has a spongy quality, and you have to press extra hard to operate your phone.

The New York Times

If the rods are still hard to operate, they are probably bent or crimped in places, binding the slides.

The New York Times

Governments lose out if businesses find it hard to operate in their country, and businesses suffer if governments are not able to prevent political or financial turmoil.

The Economist

For vehicles recalled because the pedal could stick or become hard to operate, technicians must insert a small steel shim into the pedal assembly.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Foreign journalists are also finding it harder to operate.

The Guardian

Work harder to operate ethically, openly and responsibly.

The New York Times

They are taken to hospitals, often in poor condition, making it harder to operate on them.

The New York Times

Traditional retailers have found it is harder to operate a Web site than it looks.

The New York Times

"They're harder to operate, and it wasn't as easy to make them bigger," Dr. Samios said.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical products or systems, follow "hard to operate" with a brief explanation of why it's difficult, like specific design flaws or overly complex steps.

Common error

Avoid using "hard to operate" without providing context. Specify what aspects of the operation are challenging, otherwise the statement becomes too vague and unhelpful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to operate" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, describing something's characteristic of being difficult. It combines an adjective ('hard') with an infinitive verb ('to operate') to express the degree of effort or skill required for its functionality. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this is a usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

27%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hard to operate" effectively conveys difficulty in using or controlling something. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically sound and appropriate for general usage. Evident from the numerous examples, it's a common phrase often found in news and media contexts, as well as scientific publications. When using this phrase, be specific about why something is "hard to operate" to provide more clarity. Alternatives such as "difficult to use" or "challenging to operate" can offer slight nuances in meaning. Remember to use "hard to operate" in the right context to ensure your message is clear and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to use

Emphasizes the difficulty from the user's perspective.

challenging to operate

Highlights the demanding nature of the operation.

not easy to handle

Focuses on the lack of ease in managing or controlling something.

tricky to manage

Suggests a need for carefulness and skill in handling.

cumbersome to use

Emphasizes the awkwardness and inconvenience in operation.

complex to run

Highlights the intricate steps involved in the operation.

unwieldy to control

Focuses on the difficulty in maintaining control.

laborious to work

Emphasizes the effort required for operation.

involves a steep learning curve

Focuses on the amount of time and effort it takes to learn to use or operate.

presents operational obstacles

Highlights difficulties and potential delays when operating.

FAQs

What does "hard to operate" mean?

The phrase "hard to operate" means that something is difficult to use, control, or make work properly. It implies that the operation requires significant effort or skill.

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

You can use "hard to operate" to describe anything from machinery to software. For example: "This old tractor is "hard to operate" because the controls are stiff."

What can I say instead of "hard to operate"?

You can use alternatives like "difficult to use", "challenging to operate", or "not easy to handle" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "hard to operate" or "difficult to operate"?

Both "hard to operate" and "difficult to operate" are correct and widely used. The choice often comes down to personal preference, as they convey very similar meanings.