look hard enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'look hard enough' is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone or something that requires deep consideration or effort to find, understand, or solve. For example: "If you look hard enough, you will find the answer you are looking for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Arts

Books

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I didn't look hard enough".

The New York Times

We didn't look hard enough.

The New Yorker

You just have to look hard enough.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you look hard enough, there's probably a foodie subtext.

The New York Times

"There's always original stuff if you look hard enough".

The New York Times - Magazine

There are good choices everywhere if you look hard enough").

The New York Times - Food

Wonderland… it's still there, if you look hard enough.

The Guardian

The early effects are visible, if you look hard enough.

The New York Times

"They have some good glasses if you look hard enough".

The Guardian

You can find trouble anywhere if you look hard enough".

The New York Times - Arts

If you look hard enough you usually can.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "look hard enough" to encourage perseverance in seeking solutions or understanding, especially when initial efforts may not yield results.

Common error

Avoid using "look hard enough" when superficial observation would suffice. This phrase implies a need for dedicated effort and thoroughness. Consider alternative expressions such as "take a quick look" when a simple glance is all that's needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look hard enough" functions as an adverbial modifier, typically used within a conditional clause to indicate the effort required to achieve a certain outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig, this expression is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Arts

3%

Food

3%

Books

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "look hard enough" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that emphasizes the necessity of effort in finding or understanding something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While it's generally appropriate for neutral contexts like news and general discourse, more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic writing. To ensure effective communication, remember that this expression implies more than a casual glance; it signifies a commitment to thorough investigation. By understanding these nuances, writers can confidently employ "look hard enough" to convey the importance of diligence in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

examine closely

Focuses on careful observation and scrutiny.

search thoroughly

Emphasizes a complete and detailed search, rather than just visual inspection.

seek diligently

Emphasizes persistent and earnest searching.

scrutinize carefully

Implies a critical and detailed examination.

investigate deeply

Suggests a more formal and structured inquiry.

dig deep

A shorter, more informal way to say search or investigate with effort.

explore exhaustively

Highlights a complete and thorough investigation.

delve into deeply

Emphasizes going beneath the surface to uncover information.

leave no stone unturned

An idiomatic expression meaning to make every possible effort.

give it a good look

A more casual way to say to search for it.

FAQs

How can I use "look hard enough" in a sentence?

You can use "look hard enough" to suggest that something is present or possible, but requires significant effort to find or achieve. For instance, "If you "look hard enough", you'll find opportunities even in difficult times."

What does "look hard enough" imply about the subject being searched for?

The phrase suggests that the subject is not immediately obvious or easily found. It implies that discovering or understanding it requires persistence, careful examination, or in-depth investigation.

What can I say instead of "look hard enough" to imply a casual search?

If you want to suggest a casual search, consider alternatives such as "take a look" or "glance over". These phrases imply a less intensive search effort.

Is "look hard enough" appropriate for formal writing?

While "look hard enough" is grammatically correct, it may be perceived as somewhat informal. In formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "investigate thoroughly" or "examine closely" to maintain a professional tone.