which is hard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which is hard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is difficult or challenging in various contexts. Example: "Learning a new language, which is hard, requires dedication and practice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which is hard.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Which is hard to spot.

The Guardian

Which is hard to argue with.

The Guardian

We had this connection which is hard to describe.

The New York Times

Proprietary research is predicting the future, which is hard.

The New York Times

Which is hard, when you don't understand the problem.

The Guardian

It requires an accurate inflation forecast, which is hard enough in normal times.

The Economist

This would favor a stable mosaic of wing patterns, each of which is hard to displace.

The New York Times - Science

Which is hard, because I'm sure you want to give your children everything".

Independent

You're thinking about what landed you in this wretched place, which is hard to dramatize.

The New York Times

Which is hard work, but sometimes even a tiny group can do it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which is hard", ensure the "which" clause clearly refers to the preceding noun or situation to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Solving this problem, which is hard, requires a dedicated approach."

Common error

Avoid using "that" instead of "which" in non-restrictive clauses where "which is hard" provides additional, non-essential information. "That" is generally used for restrictive clauses that are essential to the meaning of the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which is hard" functions as a non-restrictive relative clause, providing additional information about a preceding noun or situation. As Ludwig AI shows, it often adds a comment on the difficulty associated with the subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which is hard" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to express the difficulty of something. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in news and media, but also its presence in scientific and formal business writing, lending it a neutral register. When using the phrase, remember to ensure the "which" clause clearly refers to the preceding noun to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "that is difficult" or "that is challenging" can be used for variety, although they may subtly shift the emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is difficult

Replaces "hard" with a more general synonym, focusing on the level of difficulty.

that is challenging

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the situation.

that proves difficult

Highlights the eventual difficulty encountered.

that presents difficulties

Focuses on the problems arising from the situation.

that requires effort

Shifts focus to the exertion needed.

it is not easy

Uses a more conversational and less direct way to express the difficulty.

it is no simple task

Emphasizes that the task is complex and requires careful handling.

that is quite demanding

Stresses the high expectations or requirements involved.

that is far from straightforward

Indicates the task involves complications and indirect routes.

that is fraught with difficulty

Highlights the abundance of challenges and obstacles.

FAQs

How can I use "which is hard" in a sentence?

Use "which is hard" to add a comment about the difficulty of something previously mentioned. For example: "Learning a new language, which is hard, takes time and dedication."

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

You can use alternatives like "that is difficult", "that is challenging", or "it is not easy" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "that is hard" instead of "which is hard"?

While both can be grammatically correct, "which is hard" is typically used in non-restrictive clauses to add extra information. "That is hard" is more common in restrictive clauses essential to the sentence's meaning. Rephrasing is also an option.

What's the difference between "which is hard" and "this is hard"?

"Which is hard" refers back to a specific thing or action mentioned earlier in the sentence, whereas "this is hard" is a statement about something immediately present or being experienced.