hard to separate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard to separate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concepts, ideas, or items that are difficult to distinguish or divide from one another. Example: "The themes of love and friendship in the novel are so intertwined that they are hard to separate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's very hard to separate.

The New Yorker

It's hard to separate issues from personality".

The New York Times

Sometimes the two are hard to separate.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is hard to separate his art from his activism".

Independent

That is because they are so hard to separate.

The Economist

It's hard to separate one from the other.

The Guardian - Music

Now it will be hard to separate Bonnie from Clyde.

The New York Times

Reality and fiction are hard to separate at all levels.

The New York Times

"It's so hard to separate the good from the bad".

The New York Times

It's hard to separate Michael Jackson from his spectacular videos.

The Guardian - Music

Everything is so intertwined today, it's hard to separate them".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hard to separate", ensure the context clearly identifies the elements that are difficult to distinguish. For instance, "It's hard to separate the effects of the new policy from pre-existing trends."

Common error

Avoid using "hard to separate" without specifying what is difficult to separate. Instead of saying "It's hard to separate", clarify with "It's hard to separate the causes of the problem without more data."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to separate" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by describing the difficulty in distinguishing or dividing two or more entities. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hard to separate" is a versatile adjectival phrase used to express the difficulty in distinguishing or dividing two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal writing. While its use is generally straightforward, it's important to specify what is difficult to separate to maintain clarity. Related phrases like "difficult to distinguish" and "challenging to differentiate" offer alternative ways to convey a similar meaning, depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to distinguish

Replaces "hard" with "difficult", emphasizing the challenge in perceiving a difference.

difficult to dissociate

Uses "dissociate" as a synonym for "separate", indicating a challenge in mentally disconnecting two things.

challenging to differentiate

Substitutes "hard" with "challenging" and "separate" with "differentiate", highlighting the complexity of distinguishing.

tough to tell apart

Uses "tough" instead of "hard" and "tell apart" for "separate", focusing on the difficulty in discerning differences.

not easy to isolate

Replaces "hard" with "not easy" and "separate" with "isolate", suggesting the effort required to set something apart.

complex to disentangle

Employs "complex" for "hard" and "disentangle" for "separate", emphasizing the intricate nature of untangling.

intertwined and inseparable

Highlights the interwoven nature and impossibility of separating the elements.

blurred distinction

Focuses on the indistinct nature of the boundary between the items.

indistinguishable from

Indicates a lack of perceptible differences.

closely linked and connected

Highlights the close relationship and interconnectedness, making separation difficult.

FAQs

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

Use "hard to separate" to describe two or more things that are difficult to distinguish or divide. For example, "It's "hard to separate" fact from fiction in this account."

What's a more formal way to say "hard to separate"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "difficult to distinguish" or "challenging to differentiate". These alternatives maintain a similar meaning but are suitable for professional or academic writing.

Is there a subtle difference between ""hard to separate"" and "difficult to distinguish"?

While similar, ""hard to separate"" often implies a physical or practical challenge in dividing items, while "difficult to distinguish" often refers to a cognitive challenge in perceiving differences.

When should I avoid using the phrase ""hard to separate""?

Avoid using ""hard to separate"" when the items being discussed are easily distinguishable or when the context requires a more precise or technical term. Always ensure clarity and specificity in your writing.