simply hard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simply hard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is straightforwardly difficult or challenging without any additional complications. Example: "The math problem was simply hard, requiring a deep understanding of calculus concepts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

It may help illustrate that sometimes politics is simply hard.

The Guardian - Opinion

Behaviors that we have to do over and over again are simply hard to sustain.

Stanford University

Busch said it was simply hard racing and Johnson, the five-time defending Cup champion, overreacted.

The New York Times - Sports

Others are simply hard to put a dollar value on, like the extinction of species.

The New York Times

But I've found that, more often than not, matches are simply hard work.

The Guardian - Tech

Or perhaps, as her grandmother puts it before sending her away, she's simply "hard as rock".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

It is not simply hard-line Hindus who like him.

The New York Times

Is it possible, or are we, as some scientists suggest, simply hard-wired by our evolution to do the very opposite, namely pursue the "Four Fs" - feeding, fighting, fleeing and - for want of a more basic word - reproducing?

Independent

Whether attempting to stockpile antibiotics is antisocial, or simply hard-eyed judgment that the government is not up to the job of protection, the result is the same -- a pulling away.

The New York Times

It's simply harder to give difficult feedback than positive feedback or no feedback.

The New York Times

From a technical point of view, smell is simply harder to mass communicate than sounds and pictures.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "simply hard" to emphasize the straightforward nature of a difficulty without implying additional layers of complexity. For example, "The task was "simply hard", requiring significant effort and concentration."

Common error

While "simply hard" is acceptable in many situations, overuse in formal writing can sound repetitive or simplistic. Consider alternatives like "fundamentally difficult" or "inherently challenging" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simply hard" functions as an adverb-adjective combination, modifying the adjective "hard" to emphasize the straightforward or uncomplicated nature of the difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

15%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "simply hard" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something that is difficult in a straightforward manner. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its presence in various sources, notably "News & Media" and "Academia", suggesting its versatility across different registers. While perfectly acceptable, in formal settings, considering synonyms like "fundamentally difficult" can add nuance. Understanding the usage patterns and potential for overuse helps writers employ "simply hard" effectively, maintaining clarity and impact. The high expert rating further validates its proper use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncomplicatedly hard

Highlights the fact that there are no other issues, just the pure difficulty.

just difficult

Highlights the basic level of difficulty without additional complexities.

fundamentally difficult

Highlights the basic and essential level of the difficulty.

plainly difficult

Emphasizes the obvious or evident nature of the difficulty.

merely challenging

Suggests that the difficulty is not overwhelming, but still requires effort.

undeniably tough

Stresses the unquestionable nature of the challenge.

clearly arduous

Focuses on the demanding and laborious aspect of the task.

patently taxing

Highlights the evident strain or burden involved.

absolutely complicated

Focuses on the complexity and intricacy of a matter.

unmistakably problematic

Emphasizes the clear and evident issues present.

FAQs

What does "simply hard" mean?

The phrase "simply hard" means straightforwardly difficult or challenging. It indicates that something is hard without additional complications or underlying factors making it more difficult.

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

You can use "simply hard" to describe a task, concept, or situation that is difficult but not complex. For example, "The exam was "just difficult" because the material was dense and required memorization."

What can I say instead of "simply hard"?

You can use alternatives like "plainly difficult", "just challenging", or "merely arduous" depending on the context and desired nuance.

Which is correct, "simply hard" or "just hard"?

Both "simply hard" and "just hard" are correct and convey similar meanings. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context. "Simply hard" might emphasize the straightforwardness of the difficulty slightly more.