noticeably harder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "noticeably harder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is clearly more difficult than something else, often in a comparative context. Example: "The second exam was noticeably harder than the first one, catching many students off guard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

When French dance music rose again in the mid 2000s, thanks to Justice et al, the sound was noticeably harder.

The Guardian - Music

A recent survey of economists by the University of Chicago showed that a narrow majority of respondents believe a rise in America's minimum wage to $9 per hour would make it "noticeably harder" for poor workers to find jobs.

The Economist

"I think grinding it out when you don't quite have it and you post a pretty good score is a sign that there's no give-up," said Donald, whose attitude has become noticeably harder since working with the performance coach Dave Alred.

Independent

The Obama administration, which has taken a noticeably harder stance against Mr Karzai than the Bush White House, is said to prefer a second-round run-off between Mr Karzai and Dr Abdullah to at least maintain the appearance of probity.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Telomeres and subtelomeric sequences are noticeably hard to assemble when using shotgun sequencing.

BMC Genomics

Whatever the true reason or reasons (and I've heard tell that the real problem was that Brookhiser is not a Catholic and isn't even noticeably religious), it was a hard blow, obviously.

The New Yorker

Federal law enforcement has been noticeably absent, even in areas hardest hit by the crisis, such as Las Vegas.

Huffington Post

The photograph is noticeably detached: distinguishable features are hard to make out, to the point that some appear to blend into the hill behind them, and people are not moving or shouting or laughing, they're simply waiting.

Vice

But in other ways, they are noticeably dissimilar – and that is far harder to explain.

The Guardian

by Charles McGrath As political conventions go, the Democrats' gathering in New York last week was noticeably lacking in spontaneity, not to mention hard news.

The New Yorker

E-mail address GO SIGN UP Share Tweet by Charles McGrath As political conventions go, the Democrats' gathering in New York last week was noticeably lacking in spontaneity, not to mention hard news.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "noticeably harder" to highlight a clear and easily perceived increase in difficulty when comparing two or more situations or tasks. This phrase is effective in making a direct and understandable comparison for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using redundant intensifiers such as "very noticeably harder" or "extremely noticeably harder". The word "noticeably" already implies a significant degree of difference, so adding extra emphasis can make the writing sound awkward and repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "noticeably harder" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifically intensifying the adjective "harder". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, indicating a clear and appreciable increase in difficulty.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "noticeably harder" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize a clear and appreciable increase in difficulty. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, its occurrence is relatively rare, appearing mostly in news and scientific contexts. When writing, use "noticeably harder" to make direct comparisons of difficulty, avoiding redundancy with additional intensifiers. Alternatives like "significantly more challenging" or "appreciably tougher" can provide similar emphasis with slight variations in nuance. The phrase serves to effectively communicate a tangible difference in challenge, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for broad audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly more challenging

Emphasizes the magnitude of the increase in difficulty.

appreciably tougher

Highlights that the increased difficulty is easily perceived or recognized.

markedly more difficult

Stresses that the difference in difficulty is distinct and clear.

distinctly more strenuous

Focuses on the increased effort or energy required.

substantially more demanding

Indicates a significant increase in the requirements or expectations.

palpably more arduous

Emphasizes that the increased difficulty is tangible and easily felt.

measurably harder

Suggests that the difference in difficulty can be quantified.

demonstrably tougher

Implies that the increase in difficulty can be proven or shown.

considerably more taxing

Highlights the increased burden or strain imposed.

visibly more complicated

Focuses on the obvious increase in the complexity of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "noticeably harder" to compare the difficulty of two tasks or situations. For example, "The second level of the game was "noticeably harder" than the first."

What are some alternatives to saying "noticeably harder"?

Alternatives include "significantly more challenging", "appreciably tougher", or "markedly more difficult". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "much noticeably harder"?

While "much" can intensify adjectives, it's generally better to avoid saying "much noticeably harder" as it can sound redundant. Using "noticeably harder" on its own is usually sufficient.

What's the difference between "noticeably harder" and "slightly harder"?

"Noticeably harder" implies a significant and easily perceived increase in difficulty. "Slightly harder", on the other hand, suggests a minimal or barely perceptible difference. The choice depends on the actual degree of increased difficulty you want to convey.