hard to pass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard to pass" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is difficult to achieve or overcome, such as a test, obstacle, or requirement. Example: "The final exam was so challenging that it felt hard to pass."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's hard to pass the leader," Busch said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Unconditional love is hard to pass," she said.

The New York Times

It will make it hard to pass this legislation".

The New Yorker

So why was this bill so hard to pass?

The Guardian

It has become hard to pass at Daytona.

The New York Times - Sports

Hard to pass judgment perhaps, but yes, it was.

The Guardian

"It's hard to pass it by," Giambi said.

The New York Times - Sports

"The seduction of the series is hard to pass up".

The New York Times

Anyway, its hard to pass on Faulk, a player in the mold of Barry Sanders.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Mr. Whyte said it would be hard to pass the extra costs onto customers.

The New York Times

(Wine that sounds like a scone is hard to pass up).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hard to pass" in the context of legislation or regulations, consider the specific stage or aspect of the process to provide more clarity (e.g., "hard to pass in the Senate" or "hard to pass the initial review").

Common error

Avoid using "hard to pass" without specifying what is hard to pass. Provide context to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "It's hard to pass", specify "It's hard to pass the new bill" or "It's hard to pass up such an opportunity".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to pass" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the difficulty associated with achieving or overcoming something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hard to pass" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote difficulty or a strong temptation to accept something. It appears most commonly in news and media, but is applicable across various contexts, although more formal options may suit specific professional or academic needs. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. When using "hard to pass", be mindful to provide adequate context to avoid ambiguity and select the most appropriate alternative based on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to surpass

Emphasizes the challenge of exceeding a certain level or achievement.

tough to get through

Focuses on the difficulty of navigating or overcoming a barrier.

not easy to clear

Implies an obstacle that requires significant effort to overcome.

challenging to approve

Highlights the difficulty in obtaining official consent or permission.

unlikely to succeed

Suggests a low probability of achieving a desired outcome.

an uphill battle

Idiomatic expression for a task requiring sustained and intense effort.

hard to overlook

Similar to difficult to ignore, focusing on the prominence of something.

difficult to ignore

Implies something is so noticeable or significant that it's hard to disregard.

tempting to accept

Suggests an offer or opportunity that is very appealing and difficult to refuse.

irresistible to decline

Emphasizes the compelling nature of something, making it almost impossible to reject.

FAQs

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

You can use "hard to pass" to describe something difficult to achieve, approve, or ignore. For example, "The exam was so challenging, it was hard to pass" or "The opportunity was so appealing, it was hard to pass up".

What's a good alternative to "hard to pass" when talking about a difficult test?

Alternatives to "hard to pass" in the context of a test include "difficult to succeed in", "challenging to complete", or "tough to get through".

When is it appropriate to use "hard to pass up" instead of just "hard to pass"?

"Hard to pass up" is specifically used when referring to an opportunity or offer that is tempting and difficult to decline. It implies a sense of desirability, whereas "hard to pass" can refer to any kind of difficulty, such as a test or a law. Consider alternatives like "irresistible to decline".

Is "hard to pass" formal or informal language?

"Hard to pass" is generally considered neutral and acceptable in both formal and informal contexts. However, depending on the specific situation and audience, you might choose a more formal alternative like "difficult to approve" or a more informal option like "tough to get through".