hard to pull off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard to pull off" is correct and usable in written English discourse.
You can use the phrase to describe a seemingly impossible task that requires someone to put in a great deal of effort to accomplish. For example: "The musician had to practice for weeks to perfect the complex rhythm, and the performance proved to be quite hard to pull off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Was that hard to pull off?

The New Yorker

Was this hard to pull off?

The New Yorker

"It's just awfully hard to pull off".

The New York Times

That is hard to pull off.

The New York Times - Sports

This is hard to pull off.

The New York Times - Arts

The Finale is hard to pull off.

The New York Times - Arts

They're very hard to pull off.

The Guardian - Film

Exhibitions focused on music can be hard to pull off.

The Economist

It's a trick that's very, very hard to pull off.

The New York Times - Arts

Third: this trick is becoming increasingly hard to pull off.

The New Yorker

It will be hard to pull off credible balloting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hard to pull off", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific challenge or difficulty is involved. For example, "Launching a new product during a recession is hard to pull off because of decreased consumer spending".

Common error

Avoid using "hard to pull off" when the task is simply inconvenient or requires minor effort. Reserve it for situations involving genuine complexity, risk, or significant barriers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to pull off" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, describing a quality or characteristic related to difficulty. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing tasks, events, or situations that present considerable challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hard to pull off" is a common and versatile expression used to describe tasks, events, or strategies that present significant challenges. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. The analysis reveals its prevalence in news and media, highlighting its function in conveying skepticism or emphasizing the effort required for success. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the specific difficulty involved. While versatile, remember that overusing the expression for tasks that are simply inconvenient can dilute its impact. Exploring alternatives like "difficult to execute" or "challenging to achieve" can add nuance to your writing and avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to execute

Focuses on the complexity and challenges in carrying out a plan or task.

challenging to achieve

Emphasizes the demanding nature of reaching a specific goal.

tough to accomplish

Highlights the resilience and effort required for success.

not easily done

States simply that something is not straightforward to complete.

requires considerable effort

Indicates that a significant amount of work is needed.

demands great skill

Stresses the level of expertise necessary for success.

presents a significant hurdle

Frames the task as an obstacle requiring clever navigation.

faces numerous obstacles

Highlights the presence of impediments that complicate the task.

unlikely to succeed

Suggests a low probability of reaching the desired outcome.

verges on impossible

Implies that the task is nearly unattainable.

FAQs

How can I use "hard to pull off" in a sentence?

Use "hard to pull off" to describe something that is difficult to achieve or execute. For example, "Balancing work and personal life is "hard to pull off" without a strong support system".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "hard to pull off"?

You can use alternatives like "difficult to execute", "challenging to achieve", or "tough to accomplish" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "hard to pull off"?

Yes, "hard to pull off" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe something difficult to achieve.

What makes something "hard to pull off"?

Something is "hard to pull off" when it requires significant effort, skill, or faces considerable obstacles. It often implies that success is not guaranteed and requires careful planning and execution.