is hard to get

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is hard to get" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is difficult to obtain, understand, or achieve. Example: "This rare collectible is hard to get, as only a limited number were produced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Water is hard to get.

The Economist

It is hard to get excited, however.

The Economist

Partly because it is hard to get.

The Economist

Planning permission is hard to get.

The Economist

It is hard to get one's bearings.

The Guardian - Arts

Aid is hard to get right.

The Guardian

But this stuff is hard to get.

The New York Times

The length is hard to get right.

The New York Times

"It is hard to get crews in.

The New York Times

But this data is hard to get.

The New York Times

Them type guys is hard to get outa there".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure to avoid monotony. Instead of always saying "X is hard to get", try "Getting X is a challenge" or "It's difficult to obtain X".

Common error

While acceptable in many contexts, overusing "is hard to get" can make your writing sound informal. In formal or academic writing, opt for more sophisticated alternatives such as "is difficult to obtain" or "presents a significant challenge".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is hard to get" functions as a descriptor, indicating the difficulty or challenge associated with obtaining something. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a common way to express that something is not easily accessible, achievable, or understandable. The provided examples across various sources support this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

30%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is hard to get" is a common and grammatically correct way to express difficulty in obtaining, achieving, or understanding something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile enough for various contexts, though more formal alternatives might be preferable in academic or professional writing. Its frequency across news, science, and general media underscores its widespread use. Remember to consider the specific reason for the difficulty to enhance the precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is difficult to obtain

Focuses specifically on the difficulty of acquiring something.

is challenging to acquire

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the acquisition process.

is not easily accessible

Highlights the limited availability or reachability.

is tough to come by

Uses a more informal tone to convey scarcity or difficulty.

is scarce and difficult

Combines the ideas of limited availability and inherent difficulty.

is like getting blood from a stone

Uses an idiom to illustrate extreme difficulty in obtaining something.

is proving elusive

Suggests that something is evading capture or attainment.

is not readily available

Emphasizes the lack of immediate or easy access.

is a tall order

Uses an idiom to describe something that is difficult to achieve.

is no walk in the park

Emphasizes that a task is difficult and requires effort.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "is hard to get"?

When something "is hard to get", it signifies that it's "difficult to obtain", acquire, or achieve. This could be due to scarcity, complexity, or other obstacles.

What can I say instead of "is hard to get"?

You can use alternatives like "is difficult to obtain", "is challenging to acquire", or "is not easily accessible" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "is hard to get" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "is hard to get" might be considered too informal for some academic contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives such as "presents a significant challenge" or "is difficult to achieve".

How does the meaning of "is hard to get" change with different subjects?

The meaning of "is hard to get" remains consistent – it always indicates difficulty in obtaining something. However, the reason for the difficulty varies depending on the subject. For example, "planning permission is hard to get" suggests bureaucratic obstacles, while "water is hard to get" implies scarcity or logistical challenges.