hard to tackle

USAGE SUMMARY

"hard to tackle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a difficult task or challenge. For example, "This problem is hard to tackle, but we can figure it out if we work together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's hard to tackle.

The New York Times - Sports

But a hidden crime, by definition, is hard to tackle.

The Guardian

"Too big to fail" turned out to be "too hard to tackle" for lawmakers.

The New York Times

"His style just makes him so hard to tackle for linebackers and safeties," Goodwin said.

The New York Times - Sports

Housing policy is hard to tackle because so many people have benefited from the status quo.

The New York Times

Rivers elaborated on Sproles's elusiveness, saying he would be hard to tackle in a phone booth.

The New York Times - Sports

The Department of Health said: "We are working hard to tackle health inequalities.

The Guardian

We work very hard to tackle what is a real problem".

The Guardian

"We have worked hard to tackle and celebrate all kinds of gender identity.

The Guardian

Powerful and hard to tackle, the Gloucester No8 eats up yards and has also improved defensively.

The Guardian - Sport

I kind of pride myself on that because I just try to make myself as hard to tackle as possible".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hard to tackle", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being tackled. Specificity enhances clarity and impact. For example, "The budget deficit is hard to tackle without significant reforms."

Common error

Avoid using "hard to tackle" without a clear referent. Saying "That's hard to tackle" without specifying 'that' can confuse readers. Be explicit: "That problem is hard to tackle."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to tackle" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying an implied or stated noun. It describes the degree of difficulty associated with addressing a particular issue, problem, or opponent. Ludwig provides examples of this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hard to tackle" is a versatile phrase used to describe something that presents a significant challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. While alternatives like "difficult to resolve" or "challenging to address" exist, "hard to tackle" effectively conveys the need for effort and strategy. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the subject being tackled is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. This guide provides practical insights and addresses common usage questions, empowering writers to use "hard to tackle" with confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to handle

Focuses on the difficulty of managing or controlling something, shifting from the challenge of 'tackling' to the challenge of 'handling'.

difficult to resolve

Emphasizes the complexity in finding a solution, differing from the active sense of confronting a problem.

challenging to address

Highlights the complexity of dealing with an issue directly, changing from 'tackling' to 'addressing'.

tough to overcome

Focuses on the act of surmounting an obstacle, differing from the initial engagement implied by "tackle".

complex to manage

Highlights the multifaceted nature of managing something, changing from 'tackling' to 'managing'.

formidable to confront

Emphasizes the imposing nature of something before it is tackled, adding a layer of perceived difficulty.

intractable to solve

Highlights the problem's stubborn resistance to solutions, shifting the focus from the act of 'tackling'.

awkward to deal with

Focuses on the discomfort or lack of ease in handling a situation, moving away from the direct confrontation.

not easy to manage

Expresses the difficulty in a more general way by using a negative expression, losing the specific nuance of 'tackling'.

resistant to efforts

Highlights that something is resistant rather than the difficulty in tackling it, changing the focus from the action.

FAQs

What does "hard to tackle" mean?

"Hard to tackle" means something is difficult to deal with, resolve, or overcome. It implies a challenge that requires effort and strategy.

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

You can use "hard to tackle" to describe problems, issues, or opponents. For instance, "Climate change is a "hard to tackle" global issue" or "He's a "hard to tackle" opponent on the field".

What are some alternatives to "hard to tackle"?

Alternatives include "difficult to resolve", "challenging to address", or "tough to overcome", depending on the context.

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

Both "hard to tackle" and "difficult to tackle" are correct and largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you wish to convey.