is hard work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is hard work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or activity that requires significant effort or diligence. Example: "Completing this project on time is hard work, but it will be worth it in the end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Comedy is hard work.

The New Yorker

It is hard work.

The New York Times

This is hard work.

The New York Times - Magazine

Painting is hard work.

The New Yorker

Being cultured is hard work.

The New York Times - Science

Staying healthy is hard work.

The New York Times - Sports

Fashion week is hard work.

Independent

Tending bar is hard work.

The New York Times

It is hard work though.

The New York Times

Nevertheless it is hard work.

The Economist

Change is hard work.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "is hard work" with more descriptive alternatives like "requires dedication" or "is quite challenging" to add nuance and specificity to your writing.

Common error

While "is hard work" is a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead of relying solely on this phrase, vary your language to reflect the specific challenges of the task at hand. Use more descriptive alternatives to convey the true effort involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is hard work" functions as a predicate nominative, where "hard work" renames or describes the subject. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, indicating it's a standard way to characterize an activity's demanding nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

21%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is hard work" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe activities requiring significant effort. Ludwig AI analysis and numerous examples confirm its broad applicability across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, substituting it with more descriptive alternatives can enhance precision and prevent overuse. Always consider the specific context and nuances of the activity when conveying the effort involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requires significant effort

Emphasizes the necessity of considerable effort, shifting the focus from the inherent nature of the work to the level of effort needed.

is quite challenging

Highlights the difficulty aspect, presenting the task as a test of one's abilities and resources.

demands dedication

Focuses on the commitment required, stressing the importance of perseverance and single-mindedness.

is no easy task

Underlines the absence of simplicity, indicating that the work involves complexities and potential obstacles.

takes a lot of doing

Indicates that completing the activity requires considerable time, energy, and persistence.

involves considerable exertion

Highlights the physical or mental effort involved, suggesting a more tangible expenditure of energy.

is an uphill battle

Metaphorically describes the work as a constant struggle against resistance or adversity.

calls for perseverance

Stresses the need for sustained effort and determination in the face of challenges and setbacks.

is a labor of love

Implies that the effort invested is driven by passion and affection, rather than obligation.

requires grit and determination

Focuses on the mental toughness and resolve needed to overcome obstacles and achieve the desired outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "is hard work" in a sentence?

You can use "is hard work" to describe tasks that require significant effort. For example, "Learning a new language "is hard work"", or "Building a successful business "is hard work"".

What are some alternatives to saying "is hard work"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "requires significant effort", "is challenging", or "demands dedication". For example, instead of "Training for a marathon "is hard work"", you could say "Training for a marathon "requires significant effort"".

Is it grammatically correct to say "is hard work"?

Yes, "is hard work" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard subject-verb-complement structure.

What's the difference between "is hard work" and "requires hard work"?

"Is hard work" describes the inherent nature of a task, while "requires hard work" emphasizes the necessity of effort to accomplish it. The first focuses on the characteristic of the task itself, the second highlights the actions of doer. They are very similar.