particularly hard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "particularly hard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the difficulty of a task, situation, or concept. Example: "The exam was particularly hard, and many students struggled to complete it on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those times were particularly hard.

The New York Times

It wasn't particularly hard.

The Guardian - Business

Was it particularly hard casting young children?

The New York Times

But they hit the poor particularly hard.

The Economist

Young men have been particularly hard hit.

The New York Times

Local governments were particularly hard hit.

The New York Times

"It's a not particularly hard sell.

The New York Times

Small business was hit particularly hard.

The New York Times

Property developers were hit particularly hard.

The New York Times

Younger owners may be particularly hard hit.

Independent

Andalusia has been particularly hard hit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "particularly hard"; it's suitable for formal and informal writing, but ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your piece.

Common error

Avoid stacking intensifiers with "particularly hard". Phrases like "very particularly hard" can sound redundant and weaken your writing. Opt for stronger verbs or more descriptive language instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "particularly hard" functions as an adverbial modifier intensifying the adjective "hard". It serves to emphasize the degree or extent of difficulty associated with a situation, task, or experience. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

4%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "particularly hard" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize the intensity of difficulty. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's correct and usable in written English. It appears most often in news and media contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for various communication styles. To enhance clarity and avoid redundancy, be mindful of not overusing intensifiers alongside it. Remember, while alternatives like "especially difficult" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

especially difficult

Replaces "particularly" with "especially", maintaining the emphasis on the degree of difficulty.

notably challenging

Substitutes both words to offer a more formal tone while indicating significant difficulty.

exceptionally tough

Emphasizes the extreme nature of the difficulty, using "exceptionally" for heightened intensity.

unusually arduous

Highlights the demanding nature of the task, suggesting it requires significant effort.

remarkably strenuous

Focuses on the effort and energy required, indicating it's beyond the ordinary.

distinctly demanding

Emphasizes the clear and obvious requirements and challenges involved.

singularly taxing

Highlights the burden or strain imposed by the task or situation.

overly challenging

Suggests the difficulty is excessive or beyond what is reasonably expected.

extremely trying

Focuses on the frustrating or stressful aspects of the difficulty.

terribly difficult

Uses "terribly" to intensify the degree of difficulty, indicating a significant challenge.

FAQs

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

You can use "particularly hard" to describe something that is notably difficult or challenging. For example, "The recession hit small businesses "particularly hard"."

What are some alternatives to "particularly hard"?

Alternatives include "especially difficult", "notably challenging", or "exceptionally tough", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "particularly hard"?

Yes, the phrase "particularly hard" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to emphasize the degree of difficulty or intensity.

What's the difference between "particularly hard" and "especially hard"?

While both phrases are similar, "particularly hard" might suggest a more specific or focused difficulty, while "especially hard" could imply a more general or overall difficulty. The choice depends on the context, but they are often interchangeable.