it has been hard

USAGE SUMMARY

'it has been hard' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a feeling of difficulty or challenge experienced in the past. For example: "Working on so many projects at once has been hard, but I'm finally done!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Since then it has been hard at work burnishing its fine-watchmaking credentials.

The New York Times

It has been hard work.

The Economist

And it has been hard work.

The New York Times - Sports

But it has been hard work.

The New York Times

It has been hard on him".

The New York Times - Sports

It has been hard to keep track.

The New York Times - Magazine

It has been hard to explain.

The Guardian - Music

It has been hard for him.

The Guardian - Sport

It has been hard, but worth it".

The Guardian - Sport

Yes, he says, it has been hard.

The Guardian - Film

It has been hard work against this attack.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it has been hard" to describe a situation, consider adding a specific detail or explanation to provide context and impact. For example, "It has been hard adjusting to the new work environment, but I'm learning to adapt."

Common error

While "it has been hard" is a valid expression, avoid overusing it in your writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms such as "challenging", "difficult", or "arduous" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has been hard" functions as a statement expressing the experience of difficulty or adversity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It communicates a past situation that was challenging or required significant effort to overcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it has been hard" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to express that something has been difficult. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, especially when reflecting on past challenges. Its frequency and presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscore its common usage. When using this phrase, consider providing specific details for context and avoiding overuse by employing synonyms such as "it has been difficult" or "it has been challenging".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's been difficult

Replaces "hard" with "difficult", maintaining the same overall meaning but with a slightly different connotation.

it has been challenging

Substitutes "hard" with "challenging", emphasizing the demanding nature of the situation.

it has been tough

Replaces "hard" with "tough", indicating a resilience is required to overcome the obstacle.

it has not been easy

Expresses the difficulty by stating the opposite of easy, conveying a similar level of hardship.

it has been an uphill battle

Uses a metaphor to describe the situation as a constant struggle against resistance.

it has been arduous

Replaces "hard" with "arduous", suggesting a labor-intensive and tiring process.

it has been a struggle

Uses the noun "struggle" to describe the experience, highlighting the effort required.

it has been demanding

Emphasizes the high level of requirements and effort involved.

it has required a lot of effort

Focuses on the amount of effort expended, rather than a general statement of difficulty.

it hasn't been a walk in the park

Uses an idiom to convey that the experience was far from simple or effortless.

FAQs

What does "it has been hard" mean?

The phrase "it has been hard" means that something was difficult to do or experience. It implies that effort, perseverance, or endurance was required to overcome the difficulty.

How can I use "it has been hard" in a sentence?

You can use "it has been hard" to describe a past situation that presented challenges. For example, "It has been hard adjusting to the new job, but I'm starting to feel more comfortable."

What can I say instead of "it has been hard"?

You can use alternatives like "it has been difficult", "it has been challenging", or "it has been tough" depending on the context.

Is "it has been hard" the same as "it is hard"?

No, "it has been hard" refers to a past period of difficulty that may have ended or lessened, while "it is hard" indicates current difficulty. For example, "It is hard to concentrate with all the noise" implies a current struggle, while "it has been hard to concentrate lately" suggests a past period of difficulty.