it is hard to find

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is hard to find" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing difficulty in locating something or identifying a particular item or information. Example: "In today's digital age, it is hard to find reliable sources of information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is hard to find some substance insulin-mimetic for its substitution [ 32].

BioMed Research International

It is hard to find consensus.

The New York Times - Sports

But it is hard to find here.

The New York Times

It is hard to find though.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is hard to find an answer.

The Guardian

It is hard to find the evidence for that assertion.

The Economist

It is hard to find anybody keeping a "certificate count".

The New York Times - Sports

It is hard to find skilled laborers for restorations.

The New York Times

"It is hard to find work," he said.

The New York Times

It is hard to find a positive campaign approach.

The New Yorker

It is hard to find American counterparts, especially among liberals.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is hard to find", consider specifying what makes it difficult. Provide context about the scarcity, elusiveness, or complexity involved in the search. For example, "It is hard to find qualified candidates with experience in both AI and cybersecurity."

Common error

Avoid using "it is hard to find" as a standalone statement without providing specific details. Always clarify what is hard to find and why. For example, instead of just saying "It is hard to find", specify, "It is hard to find affordable housing in the city center because of limited availability and high demand."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is hard to find" functions as an evaluative expression, indicating the difficulty in locating or discovering something. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is used to express challenges in various contexts, from finding consensus to physical objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

29%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is hard to find" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey the difficulty of locating or discovering something. As confirmed by Ludwig, its versatility allows for usage across various contexts, though providing specific details enhances clarity. The phrase is frequently seen in News & Media and Scientific publications and maintains a neutral tone. For enhanced impact, consider using synonyms like "it is difficult to locate" or "it is challenging to discover". While using the phrase, avoid overgeneralization without context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is difficult to locate

Replaces "hard" with "difficult", emphasizing the challenge in finding something.

it is challenging to discover

Substitutes "hard" with "challenging" and "find" with "discover", highlighting the effort required.

it is not easy to come by

Uses an idiomatic expression meaning something is scarce or not readily available.

it is a struggle to unearth

Employs "struggle" and "unearth" to suggest a more strenuous effort in finding something hidden.

locating it is problematic

Shifts the focus to the act of locating, describing it as problematic.

it is rare to encounter

Indicates that something is infrequent or uncommon to find.

it proves elusive to identify

Suggests that something is difficult to grasp or pinpoint.

it is tough to track down

Replaces "hard" with "tough" and "find" with the phrasal verb "track down", implying persistence is needed.

scarcity makes it hard to acquire

Highlights the scarcity of something as the reason it's hard to obtain.

one rarely finds

Uses an impersonal construction to convey the infrequency of finding something.

FAQs

What does "it is hard to find" mean?

The phrase "it is hard to find" means that something is difficult to locate or discover. It suggests a challenge or obstacle in the process of searching or identifying something.

What can I say instead of "it is hard to find"?

You can use alternatives like "it is difficult to locate", "it is challenging to discover", or "it is not easy to come by" depending on the context.

How do I use "it is hard to find" in a sentence?

Use "it is hard to find" to express difficulty in locating something. For example: "It is hard to find a good mechanic these days", or "It is hard to find reliable information on that topic".

What's the difference between "it is hard to find" and "it is impossible to find"?

"It is hard to find" suggests difficulty but not necessarily impossibility. "It is impossible to find" implies that something cannot be found under any circumstances. The former indicates a challenge, while the latter denotes an absolute inability.