slightly hard

USAGE SUMMARY

'slightly hard' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is difficult but not too difficult. For example: The exam was slightly hard, but I was still able to finish it.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

USGS hardness (Handa 1964) shows four categories of hardness: soft, slightly hard, moderately hard and very hard.

Applied Water Science

I find it slightly hard to watch".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Did nobody ever ask him a slightly hard question before?

The New York Times

It's making the match slightly hard to analyse.

The Guardian - Sport

They are more expensive than bias-ply tires and have a slightly hard riding quality.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The former, with its spices and dry fruit, is reminiscent of a slightly hard Christmas cake.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

The Cantori is an able chorus, slightly hard-edged at its extremities.

The New York Times

Ms. Gubanova has an ample, dark voice with a slightly hard-edged quality that takes some adjusting to.

The New York Times - Arts

The slightly hard-edge sound of the soprano Evelyn Herlitzius, making her Met debut as Kundry, takes some getting used to.

The New York Times - Arts

Well into his 80s now, he is contrarian and slightly hard-of-hearing but remains rather bullish on the island's future prospects.

The New York Times

This is slightly harder.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slightly hard" to describe a texture, ensure the context clarifies what is being compared (e.g., "The bread was slightly hard compared to sourdough.").

Common error

Avoid using "slightly hard" to describe situations that are very challenging or complex. Instead, use phrases like "difficult", "complex", or "challenging" when a situation presents significant obstacles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly hard" functions primarily as a modifier, specifically as an adjectival phrase. It typically describes a noun by indicating a quality of being somewhat firm or difficult. As shown by Ludwig, it can modify physical objects like "Christmas cake" or abstract concepts like "to analyse" or "to interpret".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightly hard" is a versatile adjectival phrase used to describe something that possesses a moderate degree of firmness or difficulty. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and finds frequent application across diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Science. While versatile, it's best to avoid it in situations that require highlighting extreme complexity or substantial challenges. Instead, consider alternatives like "somewhat difficult" or "moderately firm" to fine-tune the intended meaning and level of formality. Ultimately, understanding its usage nuances allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hardish

A less formal and more concise version of "slightly hard".

somewhat difficult

Focuses more on the difficulty aspect rather than the physical hardness.

a little firm

A more informal phrasing emphasizing the lack of give.

a bit challenging

Emphasizes the stimulating nature of the difficulty.

a touch firm

A more nuanced way of expressing slight firmness.

moderately firm

Highlights the physical texture with an emphasis on steadiness.

marginally tough

Suggests a resilience or resistance to pressure.

somewhat rigid

Highlights the inflexibility, not necessarily hardness.

relatively sturdy

Indicates the capacity to endure forceful pressure but not necessarily impenetrability.

slightly stiff

Suggests a lack of flexibility rather than physical hardness.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly hard" to describe the texture of food, the difficulty of a task, or a person's hearing ability. For example: "The candy was slightly hard", "The exam was slightly hard", or "She was slightly hard of hearing".

What are some alternatives to saying "slightly hard"?

Alternatives include "somewhat difficult", "a bit challenging", or "moderately firm", depending on the context.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "slightly hard"?

It's not ideal for describing situations of great complexity or extreme difficulty. In such cases, consider using alternatives like "very challenging" or "exceptionally difficult".

What's the difference between "slightly hard" and "somewhat difficult"?

"Slightly hard" can refer to physical firmness or a low degree of difficulty, while "somewhat difficult" primarily emphasizes the degree of challenge involved.