how hard it would be

USAGE SUMMARY

'how hard it would be' is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you could use it in a sentence such as: "I wondered how hard it would be to complete the task within the given timeframe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I knew how hard it would be," she said.

The New York Times

"I didn't realize how hard it would be".

The New York Times

"We know how hard it would be to build a brand," Mr. Hurley said.

The New York Times - Tech

I underestimated how hard it would be to get a fund off the ground.

The New York Times

Others explained how hard it would be to get to work.

The Economist

He also revealed how hard it would be to walk away.

Independent

But few predicted just how hard it would be to make such systems work.

The Economist

This is how hard it would be to pull off widespread voter fraud.

The Washington Post

Q. Do you think Microsoft underestimated how hard it would be to get into this business?

The New York Times - Tech

It remains unclear how hard it would be for the European Union to win an exemption.

The Washington Post

I wonder how hard it would be to do Segway tricks.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "how hard it would be" in your writing, consider the audience and adjust the level of formality accordingly. While suitable for general use, more formal contexts may benefit from more sophisticated alternatives.

Common error

Avoid using "how hard it would be" without a clear reference to what 'it' signifies. Always provide context to ensure the reader understands the subject of the difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how hard it would be" functions as a relative clause, often serving as a noun clause within a larger sentence. It introduces a consideration or speculation about the difficulty associated with a future or hypothetical action or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

27%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how hard it would be" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express anticipated difficulty or challenges. As verified by Ludwig AI, it commonly appears in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. To ensure clarity, always make sure that the 'it' refers to a specific subject. While generally neutral, more formal contexts may benefit from alternative expressions of difficulty. When writing, ensure there is a clear referent to avoid confusion. The phrase functions as a relative clause and often invites reflection on strategic planning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what a struggle it would be

Simplifies the phrase while retaining the core meaning of anticipated difficulty.

the level of challenge it would pose

Replaces 'hard' with 'challenge' to emphasize the competitive or demanding nature of the task.

how arduous it would prove to be

Replaces 'hard' with 'arduous', indicating a laborious and demanding experience.

the degree of difficulty it would present

This alternative focuses on quantifying the challenge, suggesting a more analytical perspective.

how much effort it would demand

Highlights the amount of effort and resources required.

the uphill battle it would become

Uses a metaphorical expression to convey the difficulty and resistance expected.

the extent of the struggle it would entail

Emphasizes the effort and potential hardship involved.

the near impossibility of achieving it

Suggests that the task is extremely difficult, almost impossible.

the magnitude of the task it would represent

Highlights the scale and significance of the undertaking.

the improbability of it succeeding

Shifts the focus to the likelihood of failure due to the difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "how hard it would be" in a sentence?

You can use "how hard it would be" to express anticipated difficulty, for example: "I wondered "how hard it would be" to learn a new language."

What are some alternatives to "how hard it would be"?

Alternatives include phrases like "how challenging it would be", "how difficult it would be", or "what a struggle it would be" depending on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "how hard it would be"?

The phrase itself isn't grammatically incorrect, but it needs context. Ensure there is a clear referent for the 'it'. Without a clear antecedent, the sentence can become confusing.

What’s the difference between "how hard it would be" and "how difficult it is"?

"How hard it would be" refers to a future or hypothetical situation, whereas "how difficult it is" refers to a present or ongoing situation. The first expresses anticipation, the second expresses current experience.