made hard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "made hard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been made difficult or challenging, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The new regulations have made hard the process of obtaining permits for construction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's more understated, white, neatly made, hard and synthetic.

The New York Times

He had made hard work of it, though.

The Guardian - Sport

Both teams made hard work of beating the Cleveland Browns.

The Guardian - Sport

But still they are made hard for anyone to find.

The Guardian - Opinion

A carefully made hard cider is produced much like wine.

The New York Times - Food

I troubled over ambiguity and made hard decisions.

The New York Times - Health

City officials said they made hard decisions that are only now beginning to bear fruit.

The New York Times

Instead, they made hard work conform to the expectations of a drama.

The New York Times - Magazine

Boro made hard work of the win, as their manager admitted.

The Guardian - Sport

"Anything thrown in the strike zone he hit hard, and he made hard outs".

The New York Times - Sports

First, the teeth made hard, damaging contact with the shell-like cake.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "made hard", ensure the context clearly indicates what was made difficult and why. For example, "The new regulations made hard the process of obtaining permits."

Common error

Avoid using "made hard" when a simpler verb like "complicated" or "difficult" would be more direct and clear. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound clunky. Opt for "complicated" or "difficult" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made hard" primarily functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe an action that has resulted in something becoming more difficult or challenging. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it often describes situations where an action or event complicates a process or task.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Science

8%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "made hard" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase, primarily found in news and media contexts. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively communicates that an action or event has increased the difficulty of something. While grammatically correct, consider using simpler alternatives like "complicated" or "difficult" for greater clarity in certain contexts. Ensure the context clearly indicates what was made difficult and why. Overall, "made hard" is a versatile phrase for describing increased difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increased the difficulty

Directly states the rise in difficulty.

complicated matters

Focuses on the act of complicating an existing situation.

toughened the process

Directly relates to making a process more difficult.

exacerbated the problem

Highlights the worsening of an existing issue.

intensified the struggle

Emphasizes the increase in intensity of a difficult situation.

rendered it arduous

Uses a more formal tone to describe something made difficult.

presented challenges

Highlights the introduction of new difficulties.

created obstacles

Focuses on the creation of hindrances.

imposed hardship

Emphasizes the introduction of suffering or difficulty.

obstructed progress

Focuses on impeding advancement.

FAQs

How can I use "made hard" in a sentence?

You can use "made hard" to describe something that has become more difficult or challenging. For instance, "The unexpected snowfall made hard our journey to the airport."

What are some alternatives to "made hard"?

Alternatives include phrases like "complicated matters", "increased the difficulty", or "presented challenges", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "made hard"?

Yes, "made hard" is grammatically correct, although it's essential to ensure that it fits naturally within the sentence structure and context. Other similar options might fit better in certain scenarios.

What's the difference between "made hard" and "became difficult"?

"Made hard" implies that something actively caused the difficulty, whereas "became difficult" simply states that something has transitioned into a state of difficulty without specifying the cause. "The heavy rain made hard our hike" versus "The hike became difficult due to the steep terrain".