real hardship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "real hardship" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation that involves significant difficulty or suffering. For example, "Many families faced real hardship during the economic downturn." Alternative expressions include "genuine struggle" and "serious difficulty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a real hardship".

The New York Times

That's real hardship.

The New Yorker

Real hardship beckons.

The Guardian - Opinion

But there is real hardship.

The Guardian

For some employees, the cuts will mean real hardship.

The New York Times - Magazine

But not everyone agrees that Westport will suffer real hardship.

The New York Times

Or, as Bargach put it, "Water is real hardship.

The New Yorker

No one likes to see people lose their homes and businesses and communities facing real hardship.

Independent

"People cannot be left high and dry in real hardship as a result.

Independent

And so I also think it's just a real hardship honestly, when you're working.

University of California, Berkeley

There is real hardship and poverty but also a heavy western influence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "real hardship", provide specific details to illustrate the nature and extent of the difficulties faced. This adds credibility and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "real hardship" to describe minor inconveniences or temporary discomforts. Reserve this phrase for situations involving genuine suffering and significant challenges to avoid trivializing the experiences of those facing genuine difficulties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "real hardship" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It serves to identify and describe a state of considerable difficulty or suffering. As evidenced by the Ludwig AI examples, it's commonly used to highlight situations where individuals or communities face significant challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "real hardship" is a noun phrase used to describe situations involving significant difficulty or suffering. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and academic writing. The phrase serves to highlight the severity of challenging circumstances and evoke empathy. While "real hardship" is appropriate for formal writing, it should be reserved for genuinely difficult situations and not used to overstate minor inconveniences. Related phrases include "genuine suffering" and "severe adversity". The phrase is found most frequently in news media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuine suffering

Focuses on the emotional and personal experience of suffering.

severe adversity

Highlights the challenging and unfavorable conditions faced.

extreme difficulty

Emphasizes the high degree of challenge and struggle.

considerable privation

Draws attention to the lack of basic necessities and comforts.

significant adversity

Emphasizes the notable level of misfortune and struggle.

profound difficulties

Highlights the deep and impactful nature of the challenges.

grave affliction

Focuses on a serious cause of distress or suffering.

serious tribulation

Emphasizes the trials and suffering experienced.

dire straits

Highlights a situation of extreme distress and difficulty.

acute destitution

Focuses on extreme poverty and lack of resources.

FAQs

How can I use "real hardship" in a sentence?

You can use "real hardship" to describe situations where people face significant difficulties or suffering. For example, "Many families experienced "real hardship" during the economic recession".

What are some alternatives to "real hardship"?

Alternatives to "real hardship" include "genuine suffering", "severe adversity", or "extreme difficulty". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "real hardship" in formal writing?

Yes, "real hardship" is appropriate for formal writing when describing significant difficulties or suffering. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong phrase.

What's the difference between "real hardship" and "inconvenience"?

"Real hardship" refers to serious difficulties and suffering that significantly impact someone's life. "Inconvenience", on the other hand, refers to minor disruptions or annoyances that do not cause significant distress. Do not mix them or you may incur in overstatement.