hard to relay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard to relay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is difficult to communicate or convey to others. Example: "The details of the project were so complex that they were hard to relay to the team during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Initially, however, it was hard to relay the importance of identity and roots, especially to first-generation immigrants who clung to their sub-communities.

The New York Times

It is hard to relay an event that many people still remember so clearly even if, by contrast, those vivid impressions are one reason why 9/11 books have such an audience.

The Economist

The Snowden disclosures have shown up the limitations of these arrangements in which legislators or judges are briefed by the agencies under circumstances of strict secrecy, making it very hard to relay their concerns to the wider public.

BBC

These sorts of conclusions are hard to relay to the public through science alone.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"It's hard now to relay the emotion of that time," said Sonia Sanchez, the poet and civil-rights activist.

The New Yorker

The hardest part, according to reports, was how to relay the perfumer Christophe Laudamiel's succession of scents to the audience.

Independent

Although it is hard to empathise with some of the characters, despite the time taken to relay events from each individual's perspective, this doesn't prevent it from being an intriguing and unpredictable read.

The Guardian - Books

I remember just wanting to relay that".

The Guardian - Music

CWN was a full-time relay of CBN the first Australian television station to relay another.

Wikipedia

I want to relay a personal story that recently occurred.

Huffington Post

The idea was really to relay a personal message.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before attempting to relay complex information, ensure you fully understand it yourself. This will make the communication process smoother and more effective.

Common error

Avoid using jargon or overly technical terms when something is already "hard to relay". Simplify your language to ensure clarity for your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to relay" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying an implied noun, indicating the difficulty associated with communicating or transmitting something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hard to relay" is a grammatically sound and usable expression indicating difficulty in communicating something. Ludwig confirms its correctness and highlights its application in various contexts, most commonly in news and media. While "hard to relay" is generally considered appropriate for diverse settings, simplifying the language for better understanding is crucial. Consider alternatives like "difficult to communicate" or "challenging to convey" for more formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to communicate

Emphasizes the difficulty in conveying information effectively.

challenging to convey

Highlights the demanding nature of transmitting the message.

tough to articulate

Focuses on the struggle to express something clearly in words.

not easy to express

Simple and direct way of saying something is difficult to put into words.

hard to get across

Highlights the difficulty in making someone understand something.

difficult to impart

Suggests difficulty in passing on knowledge or information.

not straightforward to communicate

Emphasizes the complexity involved in the communication process.

a challenge to relay

Highlights the task as a difficult undertaking.

it's a struggle to communicate

Emphasizes the effort required for communication.

taxing to transmit

Focuses on the burdensome nature of sending a message.

FAQs

What does "hard to relay" mean?

The phrase "hard to relay" means something is difficult to communicate or transmit effectively. It suggests that conveying information or an idea is challenging due to its complexity or other obstacles.

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

You can use alternatives such as "difficult to communicate", "challenging to convey", or "tough to articulate" depending on the context.

How can I make information that is "hard to relay" easier to understand?

To make information that is "hard to relay" more accessible, try breaking it down into smaller, simpler steps. Use clear and concise language, avoid jargon, and provide real-world examples to aid understanding.

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

Both "difficult to relay" and "hard to relay" are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. "Hard" is generally considered more informal than "difficult", but both are acceptable in most contexts.