it is a bit hard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is a bit hard" is a correctly formed and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that presents an increased difficulty or challenge. For example, you might say "Climbing the mountain was a bit hard for me due to the steep incline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Probably, although it is a bit hard to say.

The Guardian

And it is a bit hard to believe in the utter perfection of the family.

The New Yorker

Nevertheless, it is a bit hard to see where the recovery is coming from.

The Economist

It is a bit hard to get used to, especially for someone like me who was never a sports girl.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet it is a bit hard to explain General Nkunda's attack on Bukavu unless it was ordered by his former master.

The Economist

It is a bit hard to imagine what Wimbledon is like for Andy Murray, who spends two weeks as the white hot center of British obsession.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Still, some employees say it is a bit harder to pull wheeled equipment on carpeting, especially when it is weighed down with something heavy, like bottles of water.

The New York Times

It can be done stationary, but it is a bit harder.

WikiHow

It is a bit harder than the ponytail and does not look as good messy.

WikiHow

You can use the oatmeal without grinding it, but it is a bit harder to spread it evenly.

WikiHow

It's a bit hard to tell.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is a bit hard", consider your audience and the context. While acceptable in most informal and neutral settings, more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "it presents some challenges".

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "it is a bit hard" in professional or academic writing. Vary your language by using more precise terms like "challenging", "complex", or "demanding" to convey the specific nature of the difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is a bit hard" functions as an adjectival phrase. It typically modifies an implied or stated noun, indicating the degree of difficulty associated with it. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and frequently used expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is a bit hard" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression used to indicate a moderate level of difficulty. According to Ludwig AI, it is a valid and usable phrase in written English. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives like "challenging" or "complex" in professional or academic writing. The phrase is frequently encountered in news and media sources. When aiming for greater precision or formality, consider alternative expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is somewhat difficult

Emphasizes the presence of difficulty without specifying the degree, making it slightly more formal.

it is slightly challenging

Highlights the stimulating aspect of the difficulty more than the burden.

it presents some difficulty

Shifts the focus to the difficulty itself as something being presented.

it is a little tough

Uses a more informal term, "tough", to describe the difficulty.

it is not exactly easy

Understates the difficulty by focusing on the absence of ease.

it is rather complicated

Specifies the nature of the difficulty as stemming from complexity.

it's proving difficult

Indicates that something is currently in the process of being difficult.

it poses a challenge

Emphasizes the confrontational aspect of the difficulty, framing it as a hurdle to overcome.

it requires effort

Focuses on the need for exertion to overcome the challenge.

it isn't a walk in the park

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey that something is not easy or straightforward.

FAQs

What does "it is a bit hard" mean?

The phrase "it is a bit hard" means that something presents some difficulty or is not easy. It expresses a moderate level of challenge.

How can I use "it is a bit hard" in a sentence?

You can use "it is a bit hard" to describe tasks, concepts, or situations. For example, "Understanding quantum physics is a bit hard" or "Balancing work and personal life is a bit hard".

What can I say instead of "it is a bit hard"?

You can use alternatives like "it is somewhat difficult", "it is slightly challenging", or "it presents some difficulty" depending on the context.

Is "it is a bit hard" too informal for academic writing?

While understandable, "it is a bit hard" might be too informal for some academic contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives such as "it presents significant challenges" or "it is considerably complex".