it got hard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it got hard" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that became difficult or challenging over time. Example: "At first, the project seemed manageable, but as we delved deeper, it got hard to keep up with the deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"It got hard for me and Meg to hang out in Detroit," he said.

The New Yorker

"It got hard," she adds, only when scripts began arriving later and later and what she calls the "collective hypnosis" mandated by the relentless schedule took over.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Everyone who owed us money was paying incredibly slowly, and it got hard to continue on a day-to-day basis," Mr. Lane said.

The New York Times

It got hard around Christmas Eve but my family came around to what was my parents' house and we all had dinner together, so I wasn't on my own.

The Guardian - Sport

"I once tried to write two hours every day, but it got hard to say at 6 p.m. that I haven't done it yet, and even harder to say at 8 p.m.

The New York Times - Books

When it got hard or I felt like giving up, I would remind myself why I was doing what I was doing: I wasn't happy where I was and this was the only way for things to be different.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

I once had a therapist tell me that I likely learned my fear at a pre-verbal stage of life, which means, as I understand it, it got hard-wired in my brain.

The New York Times

"Then it got harder".

The New York Times - Sports

With nowhere to sit, it got harder to hang around.

The New York Times - Sports

It got harder and harder to do it.

The New York Times

"The rest is where it gets hard".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it got hard", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and makes your writing more precise.

Common error

While "it got hard" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound less professional. Opt for alternatives like "it became difficult" or "challenges arose" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it got hard" functions as a predicate, describing a state of increasing difficulty. Ludwig examples show it used to depict situations that evolve into challenges, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it got hard" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to describe situations that became challenging. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely accepted across various contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in professional writing. Its prevalence in news and media outlets indicates its general understandability and applicability in everyday language. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about what "it" refers to in order to avoid any potential ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it became difficult

Replaces "got hard" with a more formal synonym "difficult".

it turned challenging

Substitutes "got hard" with "turned challenging", emphasizing the aspect of a challenge.

it grew tough

Replaces "got hard" with "grew tough", highlighting a gradual increase in difficulty.

it became strenuous

Uses "strenuous" to describe a more intense level of difficulty.

it proved arduous

Substitutes with "proved arduous", indicating a demanding and laborious situation.

it was an uphill battle

An idiomatic expression indicating a constant struggle against difficulties.

it presented difficulties

Focuses on the difficulties that arose rather than the feeling of hardship.

it started to be a struggle

Emphasizes the act of struggling against difficulties.

challenges mounted

Describes the increase in challenges experienced.

it became problematic

Indicates that the situation started causing problems.

FAQs

How can I use "it got hard" in a sentence?

Use "it got hard" to describe a situation that became challenging over time. For example, "At first, the project was manageable, but "it got hard" to keep up with the deadlines."

What can I say instead of "it got hard"?

Alternatives include "it became difficult", "it turned challenging", or "it grew tough", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "it got hard" or "it became hard"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "it became hard" is generally perceived as more formal. "It got hard" is perfectly acceptable in informal and neutral contexts.

What's the difference between "it got hard" and "it got harder"?

"It got hard" indicates a shift to a difficult state, while "it got harder" implies a progressive increase in difficulty. The latter suggests a situation that was already challenging and then intensified.