it is hard work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is hard work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that requires a lot of effort or concentration. For example: "Studying for the exam was hard work, but it was worth it in the end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is hard work.

The New York Times

It is hard work though.

The New York Times

Nevertheless it is hard work.

The Economist

It is hard work," his boss says.

The New York Times

It is hard work for both sides.

The Economist

It is hard work but steady.

The Economist

And it is hard work.

Harvard Business Review

It is hard work, however.

The Guardian

It is hard work, messy, often thankless.

The New York Times

It is hard work revering such objects.

The Guardian - Arts

But it is hard work, right?

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is hard work", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "it is hard work", specify what activity or task is being discussed: "Training for a marathon is hard work."

Common error

Avoid using "it is hard work" as a standalone statement without specifying what the 'it' refers to. This can leave your audience confused. Always provide context to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is hard work" functions as a statement describing the nature of a task or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. The numerous examples show its role in conveying the effort involved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is hard work" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe tasks that require significant effort and dedication. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, from news and media to academia and business. It serves to communicate the level of difficulty involved in a particular undertaking and manage expectations. While alternatives like "it requires dedication" or "it demands great effort" can add nuance, "it is hard work" remains a versatile and reliable expression. Remember to provide context when using the phrase to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it demands great effort

Emphasizes the significant amount of exertion needed.

it involves significant exertion

Stresses the physical or mental energy expenditure required.

it calls for perseverance

Emphasizes the importance of persistence in the face of difficulty.

it requires dedication

Focuses on the need for commitment and perseverance.

it necessitates considerable application

Highlights the need for diligent and focused effort.

it is a challenging task

Highlights the difficulty and complexity of the undertaking.

it's a labor-intensive process

Points out the high level of manual or physical work involved.

it takes a lot of elbow grease

Uses an idiom to describe the need for hard physical labor.

it's an uphill battle

Implies a constant struggle against challenges and obstacles.

it's not a walk in the park

Uses an idiom to convey that something is difficult and not easy.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is hard work" to describe tasks or activities that require significant effort or dedication. For instance, "Learning a new language /s/learning+a+new+language is hard work, but it's also very rewarding."

What's a more vivid alternative to "it is hard work"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "it requires dedication", "it demands great effort", or "it is a challenging task" to add more emphasis.

Is it better to say "it is hard work" or "it's hard work"?

Both "it is hard work" and "it's hard work" are grammatically correct. "It's hard work" is a contraction and is more informal, while "it is hard work" is more formal but they are perfectly interchangeable.

What does "it is hard work" imply?

The phrase "it is hard work" implies that the task or activity being discussed requires a significant amount of effort, dedication, and perseverance. It suggests that success will not come easily and will require consistent effort.