make things harder for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make things harder for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or situations that create difficulties or challenges for someone or something. Example: "The new regulations will make things harder for small businesses trying to compete in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

The removal of the AS will make things harder for tutors, she says.

The Guardian

British multiculturalism, with its emphasis on differences, may make things harder for this kind of post-racial politician.

The Economist

I will not lie here: the absence of Neymar will make things harder for the Seleção in Belo Horizonte.

The Guardian - Sport

It wasn't even just the police, just the whole government, everything they do they make things harder for us, they make it harder for us to get jobs.

The Economist

And even if he was a Hollywood player with a chauffeur-driven Mercedes waiting outside, who was I to make things harder for the staff?

The New York Times - Style

Best of all, a second player could take control of Yamo, ostensibly to make things harder for the chap playing Bruce.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Meanwhile, companies' long hours (often a substitute for productivity) make things hard for working mothers.

The Economist

The restrictions that make things hard for foreign buyers have also left sellers in limbo.

The New York Times

That could make things hard for him with the lively Mabina on his flank.

The Guardian - Sport

"But just like guarding Michael Jordan, you've got to make things hard for him.

The New York Times - Sports

Some teachers tried to talk him out of it – there's no point they said, you won't go anywhere, why make things hard for yourself?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make things harder for", ensure the context clearly specifies who or what is being affected and what actions are increasing the difficulty. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "make things harder for" without clearly specifying what "things" refers to. Ambiguous language can confuse readers and weaken the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make things harder for" functions as a verb phrase that typically describes an action that increases the difficulty or creates obstacles for someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

29%

The Economist

8%

Less common in

TechCrunch

4%

Science

4%

Forbes

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make things harder for" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe actions or situations that increase difficulty for someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it sees frequent use in neutral and informal contexts, particularly in news and media and Wiki sources. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what "things" refers to and who is affected. Consider alternatives like "complicate matters for" or "create obstacles for" for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complicate matters for

Replaces "make things harder" with a more formal term emphasizing complexity.

create obstacles for

Focuses on the act of putting barriers in someone's path.

increase the difficulty for

More explicitly states that the level of difficulty is rising.

present challenges to

Emphasizes the demanding nature of a situation or task.

aggravate the situation for

Suggests a worsening of circumstances for someone.

exacerbate the problems for

Highlights the worsening of existing problems.

impose hardships on

Emphasizes the suffering or adversity caused.

place burdens on

Highlights the weight or strain put on someone.

set back

Indicates a delay or impediment to progress.

undermine

Implies a weakening or sabotaging of someone's efforts.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "make things harder for" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "complicate matters for" or "create obstacles for", which convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

What's a less direct way to say "make things harder for"?

If you want to soften the impact, try "present challenges to". This suggests difficulty without explicitly stating that someone is making it harder.

When is it appropriate to use "make things harder for"?

This phrase is appropriate when you want to emphasize that certain actions or situations are increasing the difficulty for someone or something. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts depending on the surrounding language.

What is the difference between "make things hard for" and "make things harder for"?

While "make things hard for" and "make things harder for" are very similar, the latter implies an increase in difficulty compared to a previous state or expectation. "Make things hard for" can simply describe a situation where things are difficult.