still hard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "still hard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or task that remains difficult despite efforts to change it or improve it. Example: "Even after all the practice, the math problems are still hard for me to solve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Math is still hard.

The New York Times

It's still hard.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's still hard for me".

The New York Times - Magazine

But it is still hard.

The Economist

Life was still hard.

The Guardian

"But it's still hard".

The New York Times

This is still hard work.

The New York Times - Sports

But life was still hard.

The New York Times

"Black & Yellow is still hard.

The Guardian - Music

"But it's still hard on them sometimes.

The New York Times - Sports

It's still hard to be a woman.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "still hard" to convey that something remains difficult despite time or effort. For example, "Even with the new software, the process is still hard."

Common error

Avoid using "still hard" repeatedly in close proximity without varying your language. Alternatives like "remains challenging" or "continues to be difficult" provide variety and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "still hard" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying an adjective. The adverb "still" indicates continuation, while the adjective "hard" describes the enduring level of difficulty. Ludwig AI examples show it applying to various subjects, emphasizing the persistence of challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "still hard" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something remains difficult. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, noting its effectiveness in conveying persistent challenges across various contexts. While versatile, avoid overuse by employing synonyms such as "remains challenging". The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, but also sees use in academic and business settings. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse audiences, making it a reliable choice for expressing ongoing difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remains challenging

This emphasizes the ongoing nature of the challenge.

continues to be difficult

This alternative highlights the continuation of the difficulty.

is difficult even now

This version stresses that the difficulty persists into the present.

hasn't gotten any easier

This phrase emphasizes the lack of improvement in the level of difficulty.

is as tough as ever

This alternative uses a comparative to emphasize the consistent level of difficulty.

remains a struggle

This phrase uses the word struggle to communicate the difficulty.

is persistently hard

This version uses 'persistently' to emphasize the ongoing nature of the difficulty.

is relentlessly difficult

This option uses 'relentlessly' to underscore the unceasing nature of the difficulty.

is unceasingly challenging

This alternative uses 'unceasingly' which highlights the constant difficulty.

proves to be consistently tough

This option emphasizes the consistent and tough nature of the problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "still hard" to express that something continues to be difficult despite efforts or the passage of time. For example, "Even after practicing every day, the guitar solo is "still hard" to play perfectly."

What are some alternatives to "still hard"?

Alternatives to "still hard" include phrases like "remains challenging", "continues to be difficult", or "hasn't gotten any easier", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is more appropriate, "still hard" or "still difficult"?

Both "still hard" and "still difficult" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice depends on the context and personal preference. "Difficult" may be perceived as slightly more formal than "hard".

Is there a difference between saying "it's still hard" and "it's always hard"?

Yes, "it's "still hard"" implies that something was perhaps expected to become easier but hasn't, while "it's always hard" implies that it has consistently been difficult.