it is hard to ask

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is hard to ask" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing difficulty in making a request or asking a question. Example: "I know it is hard to ask for help, but I really need your support right now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Sport

Lifestyle

Tech

Film

Books

Education

Society

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

It is hard to ask for more.

The New York Times - Arts

It is hard to ask for help.

The New York Times

It is hard to ask Americans to give up benefits, even in good times.

The Economist

It is hard to ask Americans to make sacrifices for the sake of national security if you are handing contracts to companies that refuse to pay taxes.

The Economist

It is hard to ask for better proof that the Cro-Magnons were modern H. sapiens cognitively equipped with all the intellectual faculties of today's people.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"In the eyes of many, it is hard to ask more of households that make $250,000 or $300,000 a year.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

When Mr. Munitz was president of the J. Paul Getty Trust — endowed by the oil company founder — "it was hard to ask for money with a straight face," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's hard to ask for help.

The Guardian

It's hard to ask a proper question.

The Guardian - Film

It's hard to ask a studio to make that movie.

The New York Times

I totally understand why it's hard to ask the questions and to break the patterns.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "it is hard to ask" with a reason or explanation to provide context and demonstrate understanding. For example, "It is hard to ask for help, but your expertise is invaluable."

Common error

Avoid using "it is hard to ask" in a way that dismisses or minimizes the other person's feelings or situation. Instead, use it to acknowledge their potential hesitation or reluctance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is hard to ask" functions as an expressive statement, conveying the difficulty or reluctance associated with making a request or inquiry. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase appears in diverse contexts, highlighting its broad applicability in expressing a common human experience.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

10%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Sport

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is hard to ask" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey the difficulty or reluctance associated with making a request. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase appears across a variety of contexts, from news and media to academic discourse. Alternatives like "it's challenging to request" or "it's difficult to inquire" can be used to add subtle variations in meaning. When using this phrase, consider your audience and purpose to ensure that your communication is both empathetic and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is not easy to ask

Directly states the lack of ease in asking.

it is tough to ask

Uses "tough" to convey the difficulty.

it's challenging to request

Emphasizes the demanding nature of making a request.

it's difficult to inquire

Highlights the problematic aspect of posing a question.

it is a struggle to ask

Highlights the effort needed to ask.

it's hard making the request

Focuses on the act of requesting.

it's awkward to ask

Indicates a lack of comfort when asking.

it is uneasy to ask

Describes a feeling of discomfort in asking.

asking is a challenge

Focuses on the act of asking as being difficult.

it is burdensome to ask

Implies a sense of heavy imposition in asking.

FAQs

What does "it is hard to ask" mean?

The phrase "it is hard to ask" is used to express the difficulty, reluctance, or discomfort one might feel when making a request or posing a question. It acknowledges that the act of asking can be challenging due to various reasons, such as vulnerability, fear of rejection, or social norms.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it is hard to ask"?

It is appropriate to use "it is hard to ask" when you want to acknowledge the potential difficulty someone might have in making a request or when you want to express your own reluctance to ask something. It's often used to soften the impact of a request or to show empathy.

What are some alternative ways to say "it is hard to ask"?

You can use alternatives like "it's challenging to request", "it's difficult to inquire", or "it is not easy to ask" depending on the context and desired nuance.

How can I make a request easier after saying "it is hard to ask"?

After acknowledging that "it is hard to ask", provide context, explain your reasons, and offer reassurance. Clearly state what you need and why, and be prepared to accept a "no" answer graciously.