hard to resolve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard to resolve" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, problem, or issue that is difficult to solve or clarify. Example: "The conflict between the two parties has become increasingly hard to resolve, leading to ongoing tensions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Empirically, the question has been hard to resolve.

The Economist

"Both sides are working very hard to resolve these differences".

The New York Times

Both matters are proving especially hard to resolve.

The New York Times

It's easy to explain, yet hard to resolve.

The Guardian - Opinion

In part because Anderson's cleft personality is hard to resolve.

The New York Times - Magazine

He added that JPMorgan was "working hard to resolve the rest".

The New York Times

Strange things do happen, and some mysteries are hard to resolve.

The New York Times

The practical problems Mr Obama inherited in the Middle East have proved obstinately hard to resolve.

The Economist

That creates an apparent contradiction that will be hard to resolve.

The New York Times

It is too hard to detect, too hard to resolve, and too hard to recover from.

Harvard Business Review

Both are often right, which is why the conflict can be so hard to resolve.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hard to resolve", ensure the context clearly defines what is causing the difficulty. Specificity enhances clarity. For example, instead of saying "The issue is hard to resolve", specify "The legal complexities make this issue hard to resolve".

Common error

Avoid using "hard to resolve" as a vague description of any problem. Instead, analyze the specific reasons for the difficulty and articulate them. For instance, avoid stating simply "The situation is hard to resolve"; clarify why, such as "Conflicting interests make the situation hard to resolve".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to resolve" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying an implied or stated noun (e.g., 'problem', 'issue', 'conflict'). According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It describes the degree of difficulty associated with reaching a solution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hard to resolve" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a problem or situation that is difficult to solve. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a versatile phrase found across various contexts, including news, science, and business. Its communicative purpose is to convey the challenges involved in reaching a resolution. While alternatives like "difficult to solve" exist, "hard to resolve" maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. To maximize clarity, it's best to specify the reasons why something is "hard to resolve", preventing overgeneralization and enhancing the precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to solve

Focuses more on the act of solving, emphasizing the complexity of the solution itself.

challenging to address

Suggests that dealing with the issue requires significant effort and skill.

tricky to settle

Implies a need for delicate handling and careful negotiation to reach an agreement.

complex to figure out

Highlights the intricate nature of the problem, making understanding it a challenge.

not easily resolved

Emphasizes the lack of straightforward solutions or simple answers.

tough to rectify

Specifically refers to correcting or fixing a situation, suggesting difficulty in making amends.

laborious to disentangle

Indicates a complicated interweaving of factors that require considerable effort to separate.

problematic to conclude

Highlights issues that prevent a clear or satisfactory ending.

intractable to reconcile

Suggests that opposing ideas or parties are fundamentally incompatible, making agreement nearly impossible.

awkward to manage

Focuses on the discomfort and difficulty in handling a sensitive or delicate situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "hard to resolve" to describe a problem or situation that is difficult to find a solution for. For instance, "The dispute between the neighbors has become "hard to resolve"".

What are some alternative phrases for "hard to resolve"?

Alternatives to "hard to resolve" include phrases like "difficult to solve", "challenging to address", or "tricky to settle", depending on the context.

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

Both "hard to resolve" and "difficult to resolve" are correct and widely used. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, although "difficult" might be perceived as slightly more formal.

What makes a problem "hard to resolve"?

A problem might be "hard to resolve" due to various factors, such as conflicting interests, a lack of information, legal complexities, or emotional barriers.