it is really hard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is really hard" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing difficulty or challenge in a situation or task. Example: "Studying for the final exams can be overwhelming; it is really hard to keep up with all the material."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It is really hard".

The New York Times - Sports

"It is really hard," Mr. Falkenrath said.

The New York Times

Right now, it is really hard.

The New York Times - Sports

It is really hard to put into words.

The New York Times

"It is really hard to handle all that," he adds.

Independent

We aim for 95% availability and it is really hard".

The Guardian

"It is really hard to explain this one".

The New York Times

It is really hard to compete with us".

The Guardian

It is really hard when people are constantly judging you".

The Guardian - Music

When you see the semi-final it is really hard.

The Guardian - Sport

"Simply to move all this stuff around, it is really hard to affect any cost savings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is really hard", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Specify what "it" refers to, especially in complex sentences.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "really" as it can weaken your writing. Consider stronger, more specific adjectives or adverbs to convey the degree of difficulty. For example, instead of "it is really hard", try "it is exceptionally challenging."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is really hard" functions as an evaluative statement, expressing the speaker's assessment of the difficulty associated with a particular task, situation, or concept. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Huffington Post

5%

BBC

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is really hard" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for conveying difficulty or challenge. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase appears across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media and Scientific domains. To enhance your writing, consider specifying what "it" refers to and diversifying your vocabulary by using synonyms like "it is genuinely difficult" or "it is extremely challenging". Avoid overusing "really" and always ensure contextual clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is genuinely difficult

Replaces "really hard" with a more formal adjective "genuinely difficult".

it is extremely challenging

Substitutes "hard" with "challenging" and intensifies the difficulty with "extremely".

it is incredibly tough

Uses "tough" as a synonym for "hard" and amplifies it with "incredibly".

it presents a significant challenge

Transforms the statement into a more formal construction emphasizing the challenge itself.

it demands considerable effort

Shifts the focus to the amount of effort needed, implying difficulty.

it requires great dedication

Highlights the necessity of dedication, suggesting the task is not easily accomplished.

it is no easy task

Uses a negation to emphasize the difficulty, implying that it's actually hard.

it is far from simple

Emphasizes the lack of simplicity, indicating underlying difficulty.

it's an uphill battle

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey a sense of struggle and difficulty.

it's a major undertaking

Presents the task as a large and complex project, implying difficulty and effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is really hard" to express the difficulty of a task, situation, or concept. For example: "Learning a new language "it is really hard", but rewarding" or "Understanding quantum physics "it is really hard" for beginners".

What are some alternatives to saying "it is really hard"?

Alternatives include "it is genuinely difficult", "it is extremely challenging", or "it presents a significant challenge". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it more appropriate to say "it is very hard" or "it is really hard"?

Both "it is very hard" and "it is really hard" are grammatically correct and commonly used. "Really" might be considered slightly less formal than "very", but the difference is minimal. Using stronger alternatives like "it is genuinely difficult" can enhance clarity and impact.

What's the difference between "it is hard" and "it is really hard"?

Adding "really" intensifies the degree of difficulty. "It is hard" simply states that something is difficult, while "it is really hard" emphasizes that the difficulty is significant or substantial. You can also use phrases like "it is incredibly tough" to further amplify the meaning.