it is too hard

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is too hard" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used in informal contexts when something seems too difficult to accomplish or understand. For example: "I don't think I can finish this assignment today - it is too hard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He does not want to buy more land; unreliable electricity and labour mean "it is too hard to manage".

The Economist

Sit all day in front of the computer, squeeze every bit of your brain, it is too hard on you". Is it worth?

The Guardian - Books

"It is too hard to predict whether the fund can replicate its success of the early 1990s," says Morningstar analyst Justin Raib-Cox.

Forbes

It is too hard.

The New Yorker

It is too hard to see the hands.

The New Yorker

It is too hard to penetrate the scoring areas.

The New Yorker

Some do not want farmwork, saying it is too hard.

The New York Times

Television when we want it is too hard to resist.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I can't, it is too hard for me… I can't".

The Guardian - Books

Some surgeons say they normalize intersexed children because it is too hard to be different.

The New York Times - Science

It is too hard to detect, too hard to resolve, and too hard to recover from.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using this phrase. In formal settings, more precise language might be preferred (e.g., 'it presents significant challenges').

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with 'it' without clearly distinguishing the referent for each. This can confuse the reader and weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "it is too hard" is to act as a predicate adjective, describing the subject ('it') as excessively difficult. This aligns with examples from Ludwig, where the phrase expresses a high degree of difficulty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is too hard" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express that something is excessively difficult. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness in various contexts. While very common in news and media, its use in formal or scientific writing should be considered carefully, opting for more precise language when necessary. When using the phrase, ensure clarity about what 'it' refers to and be mindful of your audience. Consider related phrases like ""it is overly challenging"" or ""it is simply impossible"" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's overly challenging

Replaces 'hard' with 'challenging' and adds 'overly' to emphasize the degree of difficulty.

it's excessively difficult

Substitutes 'hard' with 'difficult' and uses 'excessively' for added emphasis.

it's simply impossible

Indicates that the task cannot be done at all.

it presents insurmountable obstacles

Focuses on the obstacles making the task too difficult.

it's beyond my capabilities

Highlights the lack of personal ability to complete the task.

it proves unmanageable

Suggests the task is beyond control or effective handling.

it feels overwhelming

Emphasizes the emotional burden of the difficulty.

it's not feasible

Focuses on the impracticality of completing the task.

it's a struggle

Highlights the effort and difficulty involved.

it's more than I can handle

Indicates a limit to one's capacity to deal with the situation.

FAQs

What does "it is too hard" mean?

The phrase "it is too hard" means that something is excessively difficult to accomplish, understand, or endure. It implies that the level of difficulty is beyond one's current capabilities or resources.

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

You can use "it is too hard" to express that a task or situation is beyond your capabilities. For example, "I tried to learn calculus, but "it is too hard" for me right now."

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

Alternatives include "it is overly challenging", "it is excessively difficult", or "it is simply impossible", depending on the degree of difficulty you want to convey.

Is "it is too hard" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it is too hard" might be considered informal. In formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "it presents significant challenges" or "it exceeds current capabilities".