this is hard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is hard" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express difficulty or challenge regarding a task, situation, or concept. Example: "I thought I could solve this puzzle quickly, but this is hard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is hard".

The New York Times

"Well, this is hard.

The New York Times - Sports

Unfortunately, this is hard.

The Economist

Overcoming this is hard.

Independent

But this is hard.

The Economist

This is hard work.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is hard to quantify.

The Economist

This is hard to monitor".

The New York Times

"This is hard for me".

The New Yorker

"This is hard," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

This is hard to say.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "this is hard", be specific about what makes it challenging. Providing context helps the audience understand the scale and nature of the difficulty. For instance, instead of just saying "this is hard", try "solving this equation is hard because it requires advanced calculus knowledge".

Common error

Avoid using "this is hard" as a standalone statement without explaining why. Overuse can diminish its impact and leave the audience without a clear understanding of the specific challenge. Provide enough detail to clarify the nature of the difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is hard" functions as a declarative statement expressing the speaker's perception of difficulty. It's used to convey that a task, situation, or concept requires significant effort or presents a challenge. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is hard" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express difficulty or challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is versatile, applicable across various contexts, from news and media to academia and casual conversations. To enhance clarity, consider providing specific context about what makes something challenging. While "this is hard" is acceptable, alternatives like "this is challenging" or "this is difficult" may offer more nuance in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is challenging

Replaces "hard" with a synonym emphasizing the demanding nature of the task.

this is difficult

Substitutes "hard" with a direct synonym, highlighting the complexity involved.

this is tough

Uses "tough" to convey the resilience needed to overcome the obstacle.

this is arduous

Emphasizes the effort and stamina required, suggesting a prolonged challenge.

this is no easy task

Highlights the absence of simplicity, clarifying that significant effort is necessary.

this requires effort

Shifts focus to the necessary exertion for completing the task.

this is demanding

Underscores the high expectations and requirements of the situation.

this is painstaking

Emphasizes the need for meticulous attention and care.

this is formidable

Highlights the imposing nature of the challenge.

this is intricate

Focuses on the complex details that make the task challenging.

FAQs

What does "this is hard" mean?

The phrase "this is hard" expresses that something requires significant effort, skill, or causes difficulty. It's a common way to acknowledge a challenge or obstacle.

What can I say instead of "this is hard"?

You can use alternatives like "this is challenging", "this is difficult", or "this is tough" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "this is hard"?

Yes, "this is hard" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English. It is suitable for both informal and neutral contexts.

How can I make the phrase "this is hard" more specific?

To make the phrase more specific, add context. For example, instead of saying "this is hard", specify what is hard, such as "this math problem is hard" or "understanding this concept is hard".