it is hard to recognize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is hard to recognize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that is difficult to identify or understand, often due to complexity or obscurity. Example: "In the dim light, it is hard to recognize the details of the painting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Since it is hard to recognize word by just hear its spelling.

Cornell University

When we arrive, it is hard to recognize the site.

Columbia University

Therefore, it is hard to recognize a noise-like pixel as a noise or a noise-free pixel in the sliding window.

AEU - International Journal of Electronics and Communications

Furthermore, it is hard to recognize crucial cellular and molecular contributors to disease or gain greater insights in whole-animal models.

3D Printing in Medicine

It is hard to recognize a sickness, given that there is usually some ideology that explains away the mania as a new normal.

The New York Times

With the Sport package, the interior feels more intimate and purposeful; the maple is stained so dark it is hard to recognize it as wood.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

It is harder to recognize when private contractors are being underemployed.

The New York Times

It is hardest to recognize hail damage on shingled roofs and flat roofs, but all roofs have their own hail damage detection problems.

Wikipedia

But it's hard to recognize a pattern, which is part of the organization's mystique.

The New Yorker

"Stiller's influence is so pervasive that it's hard to recognize".

The New Yorker

On Thursday, even employees said it was hard to recognize the Century theater.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is hard to recognize", ensure that the subject you are referring to has been clearly introduced or is evident from the context. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it is hard to recognize" with overly abstract nouns that lack concrete references. Instead, provide specific examples or details to make the subject more tangible and easier to grasp. For example, instead of saying "It is hard to recognize progress", specify "It is hard to recognize progress without clear metrics".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is hard to recognize" functions as an evaluative statement, expressing a difficulty in perceiving or identifying something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common expression, frequently used to highlight challenges in understanding various concepts or objects. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in both academic and informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

29%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is hard to recognize" is a versatile expression used to describe difficulty in identifying, understanding, or noticing something. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage across diverse fields. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts and maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject is clear and consider alternative phrasings such as ""it is difficult to identify"" or ""it is challenging to discern"" for nuanced expression. Avoid overuse with abstract nouns to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is difficult to identify

Replaces "hard" with "difficult" and "recognize" with "identify", indicating a challenge in pinpointing something.

it is challenging to discern

Substitutes "hard" with "challenging" and "recognize" with "discern", highlighting the effort required for perception.

it is not easy to perceive

Uses a negative construction, implying that perceiving something requires effort.

it is tough to make out

Employs "tough" and "make out" to convey the difficulty in understanding or seeing something clearly.

it is a struggle to detect

Uses "struggle" and "detect" to underscore the effort needed to notice something.

it is tricky to distinguish

Replaces "hard" with "tricky" and "recognize" with "distinguish", signifying the subtlety involved in differentiation.

it is obscure to perceive

Highlights the lack of clarity or obviousness in perceiving something.

it is ambiguous to understand

Shifts the focus to the unclear or uncertain nature of something that needs understanding.

it is veiled from view

Indicates that something is hidden or obscured, making it difficult to see or understand.

it's eluding my grasp

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate that something is difficult to understand or remember.

FAQs

What does "it is hard to recognize" mean?

The phrase "it is hard to recognize" means that something is difficult to identify, understand, or notice. It implies a challenge in perceiving or discerning something clearly.

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

You can use "it is hard to recognize" to describe situations where identification is difficult. For example, "It is hard to recognize the signs of burnout when you are constantly working".

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

You can use alternatives like "it is difficult to identify", "it is challenging to discern", or "it is not easy to perceive" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "it is hard to recognize" and "it is harder to recognize"?

"It is hard to recognize" implies a general difficulty. "It is harder to recognize" suggests a comparison, indicating that recognizing something is more difficult than recognizing something else.