hard to read

USAGE SUMMARY

"hard to read" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe text or writing that is difficult to interpret or take in because it is too complex or poorly written. Example sentence: "The report was hard to read, with difficult language and long sentences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Hard to read.

The New York Times

Awkward and hard to read.

The New York Times

Overstuffed and hard to read.

The New York Times

But he is hard to read.

The New York Times

Hard to read that without feeling depressed.

The Guardian - Books

He found horses hard to read.

The New York Times - Books

She was very hard to read.

The New Yorker

Jobs data can be hard to read.

The New York Times

Putin's mood was hard to read.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

A hard-to-read table is appended.

Harvard University

Hemingway analyzes a block of text, highlighting hard-to-read and very-hard-to-read sentences.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing documents or writing, consider using "hard to read" to directly address issues with clarity or complexity. This makes it easier for the audience to understand the problem and seek solutions.

Common error

Avoid simply stating something is "hard to read". Instead, provide specific reasons, such as dense text, poor formatting, or complex jargon. This gives more actionable feedback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to read" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by describing its readability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples show it describing text, expressions, and even situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hard to read" is a versatile and common expression used to describe anything that presents a challenge to understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, with examples spanning news, academic, and general writing. When using this phrase, it's best to be specific about the reasons why something is "hard to read", such as complex language or poor formatting. Related phrases include "difficult to understand" and "challenging to decipher", offering subtle variations in meaning. By following these guidelines, you can use "hard to read" effectively to communicate issues of clarity and comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to understand

Focuses on the challenge in comprehending the subject.

challenging to decipher

Emphasizes the act of decoding or interpreting something complex.

tough to interpret

Highlights the struggle in finding meaning or significance.

not easily understood

Directly states the lack of immediate comprehension.

obscure

Implies a lack of clarity or transparency.

inscrutable

Suggests an enigmatic quality that resists understanding.

impenetrable

Conveys the idea of being unable to be pierced or understood.

opaque

Similar to impenetrable, suggesting a lack of transparency in meaning.

ambiguous

Indicates uncertainty or inexactness of meaning.

unclear

A general term for a lack of clarity.

FAQs

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

You can use "hard to read" to describe anything from a person's expression to a complex document. For example, "His expression was "hard to read"" or "The instructions were "hard to read" because of the small font size".

What are some alternatives to "hard to read"?

Alternatives include "difficult to understand", "challenging to decipher", or simply "unclear". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

Both "hard to read" and "difficult to read" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. "Hard to read" might be perceived as slightly more informal, while "difficult to read" is a bit more formal.

What makes something "hard to read"?

Several factors can make something "hard to read", including complex language, poor formatting, ambiguous wording, or a confusing structure. Identifying the specific reason helps in addressing the issue effectively.