relatively hard

USAGE SUMMARY

"relatively hard" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is used to describe something that is more difficult than something else, but not necessarily difficult overall. Example: "This test is relatively hard compared to the other tests in the course."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

They are relatively hard, dense, and refractory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Because that's a relatively hard thing to measure.

Harvard Business Review

Yeah, that turns out to be actually a relatively hard property to infer.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In the right column are listed the corresponding characteristics of relatively "hard" bargainers.

Harvard University

We're interested in a target attribute something that's relatively hard to find out about the world.

Yale University

"And without over-generalising, we as Pitchforkers are relatively hard to please.

The Guardian - Music

Dysprosium is a relatively hard metal and is silvery white in its pure form.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The Cayman government should not tax money sent home by relatively hard-up immigrants, for example.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I think that would be the answer from most relatively hard-core, old-school types.

The New York Times

Another risky aspect of these sorts of mortgages is that they attract relatively hard-pressed borrowers.

The New York Times

Even in these relatively hard-hit neighborhoods, the shelters drew only sparse numbers.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "relatively hard" to soften potentially negative feedback or criticism by framing a challenge as being moderate rather than extreme.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively hard" without providing a specific comparison. Saying something is "relatively hard" without clarifying what it's hard compared to leaves the statement vague and unhelpful. Always establish a clear reference point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively hard" functions as an adverbial modifier that qualifies the adjective "hard". As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates a comparison, suggesting that something possesses a certain degree of difficulty when viewed in relation to something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Science

25%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relatively hard" is a versatile phrase used to describe something that is more difficult than something else, but not necessarily difficult overall. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and is frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. When employing this phrase, ensure you provide a clear point of comparison to avoid vagueness. Top sources include The New York Times, The Guardian, and Britannica. The phrase functions as an adverbial modifier and its register is neutral, suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat difficult

Emphasizes a moderate level of difficulty, reducing the intensity compared to "relatively hard".

moderately challenging

Replaces "hard" with "challenging", suggesting a stimulating difficulty rather than a strict obstacle.

comparatively tough

Substitutes "hard" with "tough", which can imply resilience or endurance is needed.

fairly arduous

Replaces "hard" with "arduous", indicating a task requiring significant effort and energy.

slightly complicated

Shifts the focus to complexity rather than pure difficulty, suggesting intricate aspects.

reasonably demanding

Highlights the level of requirements or expectations that need to be met.

kind of tricky

Introduces a sense of cunning or cleverness needed to overcome the difficulty.

somewhat problematic

Changes the context to suggest that the difficulty arises from potential issues or obstacles.

not entirely easy

Understates the difficulty, implying that it's more manageable but still requires effort.

a bit taxing

Focuses on the draining aspect of the difficulty, emphasizing its impact on one's resources or energy.

FAQs

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

You can use "relatively hard" to describe something that presents a moderate challenge compared to something else. For example, "This math problem is "relatively hard" compared to the previous ones".

What are some alternatives to saying "relatively hard"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "somewhat difficult", "moderately challenging", or "fairly arduous".

Is it better to say "relatively hard" or "quite hard"?

Both "relatively hard" and "quite hard" are acceptable, but they convey slightly different meanings. "Relatively hard" implies a comparison, while "quite hard" simply indicates a significant degree of difficulty.

What does "relatively hard" mean in the context of geology?

In geology, "relatively hard" can describe a rock or mineral that is resistant to scratching compared to other materials. It doesn't mean the material is impenetrable, but that it withstands abrasion better than "relatively soft" ones.