hard to please

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard to please" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is difficult to satisfy or who has high standards. Example: "Despite our best efforts, we found that the client was hard to please with our initial designs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

We're hard to please.

The Guardian - Film

"They're hard to please," she said.

The New York Times

She tries really hard to please".

The New York Times - Sports

I'm not that hard to please.

The New Yorker

It's hard to please everybody".

The New York Times - Sports

"Texans are hard to please.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

They are hard to please--& a little drunk.

The New Yorker

These specific composition parameters allow fulfilling the hard-to-please fresh state requirements of SCCs.

Construction and Building Materials

Praise from the hard-to-please is praise indeed.

Forbes

We're a hard-to-please bunch, us consumers.

TechCrunch

When Picky Analysts Pick 12.13.04 Praise from the hard-to-please is praise indeed.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person, use "hard to please" to highlight their high standards and meticulous nature. Ensure the context clarifies whether this trait is seen as positive (discriminating) or negative (nit-picky).

Common error

Avoid using "hard to please" as a blanket statement without specific examples. Provide context to illustrate why someone is difficult to satisfy, such as their attention to detail or specific preferences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to please" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating that the subject has high standards or is difficult to satisfy. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hard to please" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone or something difficult to satisfy. Ludwig AI shows that it's frequently used in news, media, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you provide specific examples to illustrate why something or someone is difficult to satisfy, avoiding overgeneralizations. Related phrases include "difficult to satisfy" and "exacting". Understanding the nuances of "hard to please" can enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to satisfy

Emphasizes the difficulty in meeting someone's expectations.

tough to satisfy

Similar to 'difficult to satisfy', but with a stronger emphasis on the challenge.

exacting

Highlights the high standards someone has.

fastidious

Focuses on the attention to detail and meticulousness required to satisfy someone.

finicky

Suggests a preference for specific things and a tendency to be displeased.

critical

Implies a tendency to find fault and be judgmental.

discriminating

Highlights the ability to recognize subtle differences and demand quality.

demanding

Emphasizes the high level of effort or quality required.

particular

Focuses on having specific preferences or requirements.

choosy

Suggests carefully selecting from available options.

FAQs

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

You can use "hard to please" to describe someone with high standards, as in, "The chef found the food critic "hard to please" because of his refined palate."

What's a less common synonym for "hard to please"?

Less common synonyms include "exacting", "fastidious", or "discriminating", each implying a specific aspect of being difficult to satisfy.

Is it better to say "difficult to satisfy" or "hard to please"?

Both ""hard to please"" and "difficult to satisfy" are correct, but "hard to please" is generally more common in informal contexts.

When is it appropriate to describe someone as "hard to please"?

It's appropriate when someone consistently expresses dissatisfaction or has very high standards that are difficult to meet. Ensure you have specific examples to justify the description.