this is hard to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is hard to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing difficulty in completing a task or understanding something. Example: "This is hard to explain, but I will do my best to clarify."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

This is hard to quantify.

The Economist

This is hard to monitor".

The New York Times

This is hard to say.

The Economist

"This is hard to do".

The New York Times

This is hard to believe.

The New York Times

This is hard to make clear.

The New York Times

This is hard to model accurately.

The Economist

This is hard to measure directly.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

This is harder to divine.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This is harder to handle," Murphy said.

The New York Times - Sports

"This is harder to comprehend, the worst of the worst".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this is hard to", follow it with a verb that specifies the action or concept that is difficult. For example, "This is hard to believe", "This is hard to explain", or "This is hard to achieve".

Common error

Avoid using "this is hard to" without clarifying what exactly is difficult. Be specific about the challenge or obstacle to improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is hard to" functions as a subjective assessment of difficulty. It predicates a challenge associated with a subsequent action or understanding, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

24%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is hard to" is a versatile and frequently used expression to convey difficulty or challenge, as Ludwig AI confirms. It's grammatically sound and applicable across various contexts, from formal news articles to informal conversations. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the task or concept that presents the challenge. Consider alternatives like ""this is difficult to"" or ""this is challenging to"" for nuanced expressions. With its widespread usage and clear meaning, mastering the context of "this is hard to" can enhance your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is difficult to

Replaces "hard" with the more formal synonym "difficult".

this is challenging to

Substitutes "hard" with "challenging", implying a stimulating difficulty.

it's not easy to

Expresses the difficulty in an indirect, less formal manner.

it is no simple matter to

Highlights the complexity of the task or concept.

it's tough to

Uses "tough" instead of "hard", conveying a sense of resilience needed.

this is complex to

Focuses on the intricate nature of the subject matter.

this isn't a piece of cake to

An idiomatic expression denoting that something will require skill and effort.

it presents difficulties to

More formal and indirect way of expressing that something causes problems or obstacles.

this requires effort to

Emphasizes the work and energy needed to achieve something.

it's a struggle to

Indicates that something involves a considerable amount of striving.

FAQs

What does "this is hard to" mean?

The phrase "this is hard to" expresses difficulty in performing an action, understanding a concept, or accepting a fact. It indicates that the subject in question presents a challenge.

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

You can use alternatives like "this is difficult to", "this is challenging to", or "it's not easy to" depending on the context.

How do I use "this is hard to" in a sentence?

Follow "this is hard to" with a verb specifying the difficult action or concept. For example: "This is hard to understand", "This is hard to accept", or "This is hard to implement".

Which is correct, "this is hard to do" or "this is hard doing"?

"This is hard to do" is the correct construction. The phrase requires the infinitive form of the verb (to do) rather than the gerund form (doing).