it is only hard to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is only hard to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a task or situation that may seem difficult but is manageable with effort or understanding. Example: "At first, it is only hard to grasp the concept, but with practice, it becomes easier."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is only hard to believe.

The New York Times

Kushner's final interjection makes the story, for all its Holocaust history and garb, a story for our times: "People are happy helping / It's never hard to find help / It is only hard to know that it's time to ask".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But it's only hard to comprehend when you are its subject, and you know yourself to be three-dimensional – from the outside, culture exists to thrash out a working definition of justice, make sure we're all on the same page.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's only hard to reconcile the difference between the two views if you accept that Spurr was, as he asserts, playing a "whimsical linguistic game".

The Guardian - Opinion

But it's only harder to grapple with now, after listening to the full record a half-dozen times.

Vice

"Some people get the impression it's only hard for women to get into F1, but there are thousands of very talented male racers out there trying to get in and never do," Williams development driver Susie Wolff tells BBC Sport.

BBC

2. It's only hard when you have to move.

Huffington Post

"It's only hard if you're trying to be something you're not," Cyrus explained.

Huffington Post

I think it's only hard if you're trying to be something you're not.

Huffington Post

But it is only getting harder to steer this team out of its turbulent waters.

The Guardian - Sport

It is only going to get harder.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is only hard to", ensure that the context provides a clear indication of what makes the task or situation challenging, and that the degree of difficulty is moderate and surmountable with effort.

Common error

Avoid using "it is only hard to" when the situation is genuinely impossible or overwhelmingly difficult. This phrase implies a manageable challenge, so choose stronger language if the difficulty is extreme.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is only hard to" functions as an introductory expression that sets the stage for explaining a specific difficulty. It suggests that the challenge is real but not insurmountable. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is only hard to" is a grammatically correct expression used to introduce a qualified challenge or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It implies that while something presents obstacles, it is still achievable with effort. The phrase appears mostly in News & Media and Science contexts and is suitable for neutral communication. Alternatives like "it is not easy to" and "it's simply challenging to" can offer simpler or more nuanced ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is not easy to

Presents the situation in terms of what it lacks (easiness) rather than focusing on the difficulty directly. This is a more direct and common alternative.

it is merely difficult to

Emphasizes the level of difficulty, suggesting it is not too severe. Changes "hard" to "difficult" and "only" to "merely" for a milder tone.

it's simply challenging to

Replaces "hard" with "challenging" and "only" with "simply", implying the difficulty is a positive opportunity for growth. Also uses a contraction.

it can be tough to

Uses a more informal term, "tough", to describe the difficulty. This alternative is more casual and relatable.

it is just a struggle to

Shifts the focus to the effort required, using "struggle" instead of "hard" and "just" instead of "only".

it remains a challenge to

Implies the difficulty persists over time, using "challenge" as a noun instead of the adjective "hard".

it's somewhat complicated to

Indicates a level of complexity, making it not straightforward. Replaces "hard" with "complicated" and "only" with "somewhat".

it is a bit demanding to

Highlights the demanding nature of the task, suggesting it requires effort and focus. Replaces "hard" with "demanding" and "only" with "a bit".

it poses some difficulty to

Indicates that the task presents a certain level of difficulty, using a more formal tone. Replaces "hard" with "difficulty" and changes the sentence construction.

the difficulty lies in

Shifts the focus from the task to the location of the difficulty. This changes the sentence structure significantly.

FAQs

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

Use "it is only hard to" to describe something that presents challenges but is still achievable with effort or understanding. For example: "At first, "it is only hard to" grasp the concept, but with practice, it becomes easier."

What's a simpler way to say "it is only hard to"?

Consider using "it is not easy to", which conveys a similar meaning with fewer words. This alternative is more direct and commonly used.

What can I say instead of "it is only hard to" to emphasize the positive side of the difficulty?

Try using "it's simply challenging to". This highlights the difficulty as a stimulating challenge, not just a hindrance.

Is "it is only hard to" the same as "it's impossible to"?

No, "it is only hard to" suggests that something is difficult but achievable, whereas "it's impossible to" indicates that something cannot be done at all. They have opposite meanings.