it is hard to overstate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is hard to overstate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when emphasizing the significance or importance of something, suggesting that its value or impact cannot be exaggerated. Example: "It is hard to overstate the importance of education in shaping a person's future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

IT is hard to overstate the ineptness of its counterattack on Mr. Harper.

The New York Times

It is hard to overstate the difference between Oman and its neighbours.

BBC

It is hard to overstate Clinton's advantage.

The New Yorker

"It is hard to overstate that".

The New York Times

It is hard to overstate the momentousness of that collapse.

The New York Times

"It is hard to overstate his influence really," said Brown.

The Guardian - Arts

It is hard to overstate just how badly the Knicks need Davis in the lineup.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet it is hard to overstate how badly the Yankees wanted Lee.

The New York Times - Sports

It is hard to overstate the importance of the Bolshoi in Russian cultural life.

Independent

It is hard to overstate the importance of Asia to our economic future.

The New York Times

It is hard to overstate the significance of Mr. Carter's longevity.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is hard to overstate" to introduce a point that you believe is crucial and whose importance might not be immediately apparent to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it is hard to overstate" when the significance is already widely understood or self-evident, as it can weaken your argument and make it seem less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is hard to overstate" functions as an intensifier, used to emphasize the magnitude or importance of a particular fact, event, or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. The user aims to communicate the relevance and impact of a specific point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is hard to overstate" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the significance of a statement. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and suitable for a wide range of contexts, particularly within news, scientific, and formal communications. While alternative phrases like "it is difficult to exaggerate" exist, "it is hard to overstate" effectively conveys the idea that something is so important that its significance cannot be overstated. When using this phrase, be mindful of the audience and context, ensuring that the level of emphasis aligns with the message being conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's difficult to exaggerate

Replaces "hard" with "difficult", offering a slight variation in wording while maintaining the same core meaning.

it's difficult to overemphasize

Substitutes "overstate" with "overemphasize", focusing on the act of placing too much emphasis.

it's an understatement to say

Shifts the perspective to indicate that the true impact is greater than what is being said.

the importance cannot be overstated

Uses a passive voice to emphasize the inability to exaggerate the importance.

it would be wrong to exaggerate

Highlights that an exageration would be wrong to convey the gravity of the situation.

one cannot stress enough

Emphasizes the point that something has an extreme degree of importance.

it's nearly impossible to exaggerate

Uses "nearly impossible" to emphasize the extreme difficult to exxagerate.

the full impact is hard to grasp

Focuses on the difficulty in fully understanding the magnitude of the impact.

its significance is immense

Highlights the considerable significance.

its value is incalculable

Highlights the impossibility to calculate the real value.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is hard to overstate" to emphasize the magnitude or importance of something. For example, "It is hard to overstate the impact of climate change on future generations."

What are some alternatives to "it is hard to overstate"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is difficult to exaggerate", "the importance cannot be overstated", or "it is an understatement to say", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "it is hard to overstate" and "it is impossible to overstate"?

"It is hard to overstate" suggests a significant, yet perhaps measurable, impact. "It is impossible to overstate" implies an immeasurable or limitless effect.

When is it appropriate to use "it is hard to overstate" in writing?

Use "it is hard to overstate" when you want to emphasize the significance of something without resorting to hyperbole or exaggeration, signaling that the reality is as impactful as, or even more so than, what your words describe.