hardly a solution

USAGE SUMMARY

"hardly a solution" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express that something is not a viable or effective solution. Example: "The proposed changes are hardly a solution to the ongoing issues." Alternative expressions include "barely a solution" and "scarcely a solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

For some, that's hardly a solution.

The New York Times

Going to an adviser is hardly a solution.

The New York Times

In Mr. Peterson's view, that was hardly a solution.

The New York Times - Science

The loan of the Bayeux tapestry is a fine symbol, but hardly a solution.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hardly a solution to our mystery, but it will have to do.

The New York Times

Still, as Nyhan is the first to admit, it's hardly a solution that can be applied easily outside the lab.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

That hardly offers a solution.

The New York Times

Conventional methods can hardly provide a solution, for a designer-oriented formulation, satisfying several objectives and associated goals as demanded by a practical application due to the competing nature of those objectives.

Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence

("Cruel compromises," he calls them, if you have any doubt as to where he stands). "If the clash of absolutes is a clash between life (the life of the fetus) on the one hand, and liberty (that of a woman) on the other, solutions that split the difference - denying some fetuses life and some women liberty - hardly offer a solution," he says.

The New York Times - Books

It is hardly a full solution.

The New York Times

Blanket laws banning headscarves are hardly a liberal solution.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hardly a solution" when you want to express that something offered as a fix is inadequate or ineffective. It implies the proposed solution falls short of addressing the actual problem.

Common error

Avoid using "hardly a solution" when you mean there is absolutely no solution at all. The phrase implies that while something may technically qualify as a solution, it's so insufficient that it's practically useless.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hardly a solution" functions as a qualifier, typically used to express skepticism or disagreement with the efficacy of a proposed solution. It suggests that while something might technically be considered a solution, it is inadequate or insufficient. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hardly a solution" serves as a qualifier expressing that something presented as a solution is, in reality, inadequate. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While "hardly a solution" is typically neutral in tone, it conveys a critical perspective and is prevalent across media, scientific, and to a lesser degree, business contexts. Alternative phrases like "scarcely a solution" or "barely a solution" offer similar meanings with slight nuances. When employing "hardly a solution", remember that it indicates insufficiency rather than complete ineffectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarcely a solution

Emphasizes the minimal likelihood of something being a solution. It's a synonym.

barely a solution

Highlights the narrow margin by which something qualifies as a solution. It's a synonym.

not much of a solution

Indicates that the proposed solution is weak or inadequate. Similar meaning but less formal.

a poor excuse for a solution

Strongly criticizes the proposed solution as being completely insufficient. Adds a tone of disapproval.

far from a solution

Emphasizes the distance between the suggestion and an actual solution. Conveys a stronger sense of inadequacy.

no real solution

States that what is presented as a solution is, in fact, not a solution at all. Emphasizes the absence of a true resolution.

an inadequate response

Focuses on the insufficiency of the response to a problem, rather than a direct solution. Broader application.

a band-aid fix

Implies a temporary and superficial solution that does not address the underlying issue. More informal.

a short-term measure

Highlights the temporary nature of the solution, suggesting it's not a long-term fix. Focuses on duration.

a stopgap

Indicates a temporary solution used until a better one can be found. Implies a placeholder.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "hardly a solution"?

Use "hardly a solution" when you want to convey that something presented as a solution is weak, ineffective, or doesn't fully address the problem at hand. It implies the existence of a nominal solution that is significantly inadequate.

What's a more formal alternative to "hardly a solution"?

While "hardly a solution" is suitable for most contexts, a more formal alternative could be "scarcely a solution" or "an inadequate response depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How does "hardly a solution" differ from "not a solution"?

"Hardly a solution" suggests that something technically qualifies as a solution but is severely lacking, while "not a solution" implies that something completely fails to address the problem and is, therefore, not a solution at all. The former has a slight degree of validity, however weak.

Is "hardly a solution" negative or positive?

"Hardly a solution" is a negative expression. It indicates that something is insufficient or ineffective in resolving a problem. It's used to express disapproval or a lack of confidence in the proposed solution.