little harder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little harder" is correct and usable in written English, though it is often used in a more informal context.
You can use it when comparing the difficulty of two tasks or situations, typically to indicate that one is slightly more challenging than the other. Example: "This math problem is a little harder than the last one we solved together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They work a little harder.

The New York Times - Sports

Push a little harder.

The Guardian - Sport

A little harder to come by.

The New York Times

Battlefield might be a little harder.

The New York Times

"They're driven a little harder.

The New York Times

Mentally, it's a little harder".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a little harder to do here.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm a little harder on Louisiana guys".

The New York Times - Sports

I have to work a little harder?

The New York Times - Tech

"So now I'm a little harder.

The New York Times - Sports

This may prove a little harder.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and purpose when choosing synonyms. While "little harder" is generally acceptable, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "somewhat more difficult".

Common error

While acceptable in many contexts, overuse of "little harder" can make formal writing sound less sophisticated. Vary your language with more precise and formal alternatives like "slightly more challenging" or "somewhat more complex".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little harder" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, typically used to describe the degree to which an action needs to be performed or a state is experienced. Ludwig indicates the phrase is grammatically sound and acceptable for use. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its usage across contexts, emphasizing a small increase in effort or intensity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "little harder" functions as an adverbial modifier that expresses a small increase in difficulty or effort. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and acceptability. While versatile across various contexts, it's most prevalent in News & Media and Wiki sources. For formal writing, consider using alternatives like "slightly more challenging" to enhance sophistication. Remember to vary your language to avoid overuse and maintain clarity. Based on the data, this phrase is very common and can be used to simply express more effort in any kind of context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly more challenging

Indicates a marginal increase in difficulty compared to "little harder".

a bit tougher

Similar in meaning but uses a more informal term "tougher" instead of "harder".

somewhat more difficult

A more formal alternative that conveys a similar degree of increased difficulty.

marginally more strenuous

Emphasizes the effort required, suggesting it's slightly more physically or mentally demanding.

moderately more complex

Suggests the increased difficulty stems from added layers or intricacies.

a shade more demanding

Uses "demanding" to highlight the extra requirements or expectations involved.

barely more arduous

Indicates the task is just slightly more taxing and laborious.

incrementally more trying

Focuses on the increased level of frustration or patience needed.

harder to a degree

This is a more verbose and less direct way of saying "little harder".

notably more elaborate

Highlights the increased attention to detail or intricacy required.

FAQs

How can I use "little harder" in a sentence?

You can use "little harder" to compare the difficulty of tasks or situations, for example: "This exam is a "little harder" than the last one" or "You need to push a "little harder" to achieve your goals".

What are some alternatives to saying "little harder"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "slightly more challenging", "a bit tougher", or "somewhat more difficult".

Is it grammatically correct to say "little harder"?

Yes, the phrase "little harder" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It's generally accepted in both spoken and written language, though formality may dictate different options.

What's the difference between "little harder" and "much harder"?

"Little harder" implies a small increase in difficulty, while "much harder" suggests a significant increase. Use "little harder" when the difference is minor, and "much harder" when the difference is substantial.