hard to settle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard to settle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, issue, or disagreement that is difficult to resolve or come to an agreement on. Example: "The terms of the contract were hard to settle, leading to prolonged negotiations between the parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

It's hard to settle down to entrées after all that.

The New Yorker

Even if negotiators are acting in good faith, it's still hard to settle.

The New Yorker

"Otherwise it's a Swiss school, where your kids will find it hard to settle".

The Economist

Instead, the Argentine found it hard to settle off and on the pitch.

Independent

It is hard to settle on which century these street vignettes belong to.

Independent

And once you've seen the real thing, it's very hard to settle for less".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Having too many options, it seems, made it harder to settle on a single selection.

The New York Times - Books

Continued drift will make it harder to settle the disputes over defence, trade and global warming.

The Economist

That dispute will be harder to settle if the North can produce centrifuges indigenously.

The New York Times

And they said it would be even harder to settle pending deals with Panama and South Korea.

The New York Times

China's maritime disputes have proven harder to settle than those on land.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hard to settle" to describe a person's difficulty in adapting, consider specifying the context (e.g., "hard to settle in a new city"). This adds clarity and provides a more complete picture for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "hard to settle" without providing any context. A vague statement like "he's hard to settle" leaves the reader wondering about the specific area of difficulty. Always clarify what is proving challenging to settle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to settle" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically acting as an adjective phrase that describes a state of difficulty. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the subject's challenge in reaching a resolution or adjusting to a new environment. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hard to settle" is a grammatically sound and generally versatile phrase used to describe difficulty in reaching a resolution or adjusting to new circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceptionally common, it appears consistently in diverse contexts, including news, media, and scientific writing. The phrase serves to express challenges across a broad spectrum of situations. When using "hard to settle", make sure you provide enough context. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "difficult to resolve" or "challenging to decide" for enhanced clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to resolve

Replaces "hard" with "difficult", emphasizing the challenge in finding a solution.

challenging to decide

Focuses on the difficulty in making a choice or reaching a conclusion.

tough to reconcile

Highlights the struggle to bring opposing ideas or situations into agreement.

not easy to agree upon

Emphasizes the lack of ease in gaining consensus.

hard to become accustomed

Shifts the focus to the difficulty of adjusting to new circumstances.

difficult to adjust

Focuses specifically on the difficulty in adapting to a new environment or situation.

tough to become comfortable

Emphasizes the discomfort experienced in a new setting.

challenging to reach agreement

Specifically highlights the difficulty in finding a point of accord.

difficult to bring to terms

Indicates the struggle to negotiate and finalize an agreement.

hard to find common ground

Emphasizes the difficulty in establishing a basis for understanding or agreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "hard to settle" to describe a situation, issue, or disagreement that is difficult to resolve. For example, "The details of the agreement were "difficult to settle", leading to prolonged negotiations."

What does it mean when someone says a person is "hard to settle"?

It typically suggests that the person is having trouble adjusting or becoming comfortable in a new environment or situation. Context is important to understand the specific challenge the person is facing.

What can I say instead of "hard to settle" when discussing a dispute?

Alternatives like "difficult to resolve", "challenging to resolve", or "tough to reconcile" can be used to express the difficulty in resolving a dispute.

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

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Difficult to settle" might be perceived as slightly more formal, but the choice often depends on personal preference and the overall tone of your writing.