it becomes harder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it becomes harder" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation or task that is increasingly difficult over time or with additional challenges. Example: "As the project progresses, it becomes harder to meet the deadlines due to unforeseen complications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

As "Dreamless Land" progresses, though, it becomes harder to follow.

The New York Times

It becomes harder to turn back with each step.

The New York Times

It becomes harder to ignore advertisements or intrusions.

The New Yorker

When weight is gained, it becomes harder to move.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And, she added: "It becomes harder to attack.

The New York Times

"With each passing day, it becomes harder to resurrect".

The New York Times

Consequently, it becomes harder to bind the shape to location for an object that is maintained.

Neurocomputing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

If you don't, it becomes harder and harder to catch up.

Princeton University

It becomes harder for them to expand, so the stability of larger companies becomes more attractive.

Forbes

A: It becomes harder to recognize Spinsters, the more powerful they become.

The New Yorker

What if it becomes harder to raise money?

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it becomes harder" to describe a gradual increase in difficulty over time, rather than a sudden, abrupt change. This phrase works best when highlighting a process or trend.

Common error

Vary your language to prevent redundancy. Instead of repeating "it becomes harder", try using synonyms like "it gets more challenging" or "difficulty increases" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it becomes harder" functions as a predicate, expressing a state of increasing difficulty. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples showing its common use across diverse contexts to indicate that something is progressively becoming more challenging.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it becomes harder" is a versatile expression used to describe an increasing level of difficulty over time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral, varying your language with synonyms like "it gets more difficult" or "it grows increasingly challenging" can enhance your writing. Avoid overuse and consider the specific nuance you wish to convey when selecting your wording.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it gets more difficult

Replaces "becomes" with "gets" and "harder" with "more difficult" maintaining the same meaning.

it grows increasingly challenging

Substitutes "becomes" with "grows" and "harder" with "increasingly challenging", adding a nuance of gradual progression.

it's getting tougher

Uses a more informal tone, replacing "becomes harder" with "getting tougher".

the challenge intensifies

Presents the difficulty as an intensifying challenge, shifting the focus slightly.

difficulty increases

A more concise and direct way of expressing the same concept.

it becomes more problematic

Replaces "harder" with "more problematic", suggesting the difficulty stems from issues or complications.

obstacles multiply

Focuses on the increase in obstacles rather than the overall difficulty.

the task escalates in difficulty

Emphasizes the escalation of difficulty in a specific task.

it is an uphill battle

Introduces a metaphorical expression indicating a struggle against increasing odds.

the situation deteriorates

Shifts the focus to the worsening of the overall situation, implying increasing difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "it becomes harder" in a sentence?

You can use "it becomes harder" to describe a situation where the level of difficulty is increasing over time. For example: "As the project progresses, "it becomes harder" to meet the deadlines."

What are some alternatives to "it becomes harder"?

Some alternatives to "it becomes harder" include "it gets more difficult", "it grows increasingly challenging", or "it's getting tougher", depending on the context.

Is "it becomes harder" formal or informal?

"It becomes harder" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, alternatives like "it's getting tougher" are more informal.

What's the difference between "it becomes harder" and "it is harder"?

"It becomes harder" implies a change or progression in difficulty over time. "It is harder" simply states that something is currently more difficult, without necessarily implying a change.