it got harder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it got harder" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something was initially easy or manageable, but has become more difficult over time. For example, "At first, I thought learning how to play the guitar would be easy, but it got harder the more I tried."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

"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

It got harder to keep up the front.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Somewhere along the way, it got harder to claim that we're so different from other people.

The New York Times

"It got harder, I got caught, I got marked up but it always felt right.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Even when it got hard.

Huffington Post

It got hard to talk again.

Huffington Post

No. Did it get harder?

The New York Times

Then it gets harder still.

The New York Times

"It gets harder and harder".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it got harder", ensure the context clearly establishes what "it" refers to. Vague references can confuse the reader. For example, instead of "The project started smoothly, but it got harder", specify "The project started smoothly, but managing the team got harder".

Common error

Avoid using "it got harder" immediately after introducing multiple potential subjects. Readers may not understand which specific task, situation, or element has become more difficult. Always clarify the subject directly after, or rephrase for clarity.

Linguistic Context

Function: The phrase "it got harder" primarily functions as a clause expressing a change in state, specifically an increase in difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes something becoming more challenging over time. The examples in Ludwig illustrate its use across various contexts, from personal experiences to professional situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it got harder" is a common and grammatically sound way to express an increase in difficulty over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and Ludwig's examples show its versatility across various contexts, especially in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to ensure clarity by specifying what "it" refers to. Alternatives like "it became more difficult" can be used for a more formal tone. By understanding its function and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively use "it got harder" to convey changes in the level of challenge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it became more difficult

Replaces "got harder" with a more formal and direct synonym, emphasizing the increasing difficulty.

it turned challenging

Uses "turned challenging" to describe the shift towards a more demanding situation.

it grew tougher

Substitutes "harder" with "tougher", suggesting a more resilient or demanding situation.

it started being arduous

Replaces the original phrasing with a more sophisticated expression emphasizing prolonged effort.

it proved problematic

Highlights the problematic nature of the situation that creates difficulty.

it presented more obstacles

Focuses on the obstacles that have appeared and are making the situation more complex.

the task intensified

Uses "intensified" to show how the difficulty increased over time.

the situation worsened

Indicates the overall negative trend, resulting in increased difficulty.

it became an uphill battle

Figuratively implies a continuous struggle against increasing difficulty.

the strain increased

Implies the increase of pressure and tension in the situation making it difficult.

FAQs

What does "it got harder" mean?

The phrase "it got harder" means that something became more difficult, challenging, or strenuous over time. The difficulty increased from a previous state.

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

You can use "it got harder" to describe the increasing difficulty of a task, situation, or relationship. For example, "Learning the new software was easy at first, but "it got harder" as I tried to use the advanced features."

What's a more formal way to say "it got harder"?

For a more formal tone, you could say "it became more difficult", "it proved more challenging", or "the task intensified". These alternatives offer a similar meaning while sounding more professional.

How is "it got harder" different from "it was hard"?

"It was hard" describes a state of difficulty at a specific time. In contrast, "it got harder" indicates that the difficulty increased over time, suggesting a change from an easier state to a more challenging one.