hard to realize

USAGE SUMMARY

"hard to realize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to describe something that is difficult to understand or accept. Example sentence: It was hard to realize the magnitude of the problem until it was too late.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So it's hard to realize that in the terrestrial situation.

Yale University

We've worked hard to realize our professional goals.

The New York Times

It's very hard to realize that you're all done.

The Guardian - Sport

It's hard to realize that he was a colossus.

The New York Times

What is so hard to realize is that they are burrowing for all of us.

The New Yorker

Thus, the comparison of several algorithms using the same experimental conditions is hard to realize.

Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory

It is hard to realize how long ago the "modern movement" began.

The New York Times

It would be very interesting when electrical or mechanical measurements are very hard to realize.

NDT & E International

However, we're going to work hard to realize my parents' dream.

Princeton University

Waiting was her forte, although this was sometimes hard to realize.

The New York Times - Books

"It's hard to realize what happened until you have time alone like this".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure. Instead of always starting with 'It is hard to realize,' try using phrases like, 'One might find it hard to realize...'

Common error

Avoid using "hard to realize" when a stronger phrase like "impossible to realize" is more accurate. Overstating the difficulty can weaken your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to realize" functions as an adjective phrase modifying an infinitive verb, expressing the difficulty of understanding or accepting something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

33%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hard to realize" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey the difficulty of understanding or accepting something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in written English. The phrase is found across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing, indicating its versatility. When using "hard to realize", ensure that the context makes clear what the subject finds difficult to comprehend, and consider using alternative phrases like "difficult to comprehend" or "tough to grasp" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to comprehend

This alternative focuses on the challenge of understanding something.

tough to grasp

This implies a struggle to fully understand or accept an idea.

not easy to understand

This is a straightforward way to express the difficulty in understanding.

difficult to believe

This alternative highlights the challenge in accepting something as true.

challenging to achieve

This focuses on the difficulty in accomplishing a goal.

not readily apparent

This suggests that something is not immediately obvious or clear.

obscure to perceive

This implies that something is hidden or unclear, making it difficult to notice.

elusive to recognition

This highlights the difficulty in identifying or recognizing something.

takes effort to understand

This emphasizes the need for active effort to gain comprehension.

not immediately obvious

This implies that something requires further thought or investigation to become clear.

FAQs

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

You can use "hard to realize" to express difficulty in understanding or accepting something. For example, "It's "hard to realize" how much things have changed".

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

You can use alternatives like "difficult to comprehend", "tough to grasp", or "not easy to understand" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "hard to realizing"?

No, the correct form is "hard to realize", using the base form of the verb. "Realizing" is a gerund or present participle, not suitable after "to".

What is the difference between "hard to realize" and "difficult to realize"?

The phrases "hard to realize" and "difficult to realize" are largely interchangeable and have the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.