is having a hard time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is having a hard time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is struggling or facing difficulties in a particular situation. Example: "She is having a hard time adjusting to her new job and feels overwhelmed by the workload."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Grace is having a hard time.

The New Yorker

Quincy is having a hard time at chameleon school.

Princeton University

Even brave Teacher Abbas is having a hard time coping.

The New York Times

Cat Osterman is having a hard time with this.

The New York Times - Sports

If there is a creative solution, Stricker is having a hard time visualizing it.

The New York Times - Sports

AMC is having a hard time separating from its hit series.

The New York Times

Even she is having a hard time finding remunerative work and getting on a career track.

The Economist

It is possible that Quinn is having a hard time because she's a woman.

The New York Times

But Newton, the Carolina quarterback, is having a hard time living up to the branding.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I was having a hard time".

The New Yorker

"He was having a hard time.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is having a hard time", consider adding context to explain the specific difficulty the person or entity is facing. This provides clarity and depth to your writing.

Common error

While "is having a hard time" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "struggling", "facing difficulties", or more specific terms relevant to the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is having a hard time" functions as a verbal phrase used to describe someone's experience of difficulty or struggle. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. It often serves as a general indicator of hardship before specific details are provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is having a hard time" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express that someone is experiencing difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread acceptability. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and choose synonyms when appropriate to avoid repetition or to achieve a more formal tone. Remember to provide specific details to give the phrase more impact and clarity. Be mindful of overuse and consider stronger synonyms to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is struggling

This alternative is a more direct and concise way of saying someone is facing difficulties.

is facing difficulties

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the presence of obstacles.

is finding it difficult

This alternative emphasizes the subjective experience of difficulty.

is going through a rough patch

This alternative suggests a temporary period of difficulty.

is coping with difficulties

This alternative focuses on the act of managing challenging circumstances.

is experiencing challenges

This alternative is a more formal way of saying someone is facing difficulties.

is battling

This alternative implies a more active and ongoing struggle.

is in a difficult situation

This alternative focuses on the external circumstances causing the difficulty.

is up against it

This alternative is an informal expression suggesting someone is facing a tough challenge.

is under pressure

This alternative highlights the stress and strain someone is experiencing.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "is having a hard time"?

In formal contexts, you can use phrases like "is facing difficulties" or "is experiencing challenges" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

What can I say instead of "is having a hard time" when describing a temporary situation?

If the difficulty is temporary, consider using "is going through a rough patch" or "is experiencing a setback".

Is "is having a hard time" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "is having a hard time" might be considered too informal for some academic writing. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives like "is struggling with" or "is encountering difficulties".

How does "is struggling" compare to "is having a hard time"?

"Is struggling" is a more direct and concise way of saying someone is facing difficulties. "Is having a hard time" provides a slightly softer or more empathetic tone but can sometimes be more verbose.