What is the comparative form of “hardest”?
The comparative form of “hardest” is “harder”.Example
This math problem is harder than the one we did yesterday.
Example
She studied harder for this exam than she did for the previous one.
What is the superlative form of “hardest”?
The superlative form of “hardest” is “hardest”.Example
Among all the subjects, physics is considered the hardest.
Example
The final exam is known for being the hardest test of the semester.
Why is this expression not used with most, more?
'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with hard, harder, and hardest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more hard' and 'most hard' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, harder and hardest are the correct and preferred forms to use.
Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?
Hard does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: Hard → Harder Superlative: Hard → Hardest
Expressions with similar meanings to “harder”
Example
The advanced level of this course is more difficult than the beginner level.
Similar to harder, this emphasizes the challenging nature of something
Example
The final level of the game is tougher than the earlier levels.
Used to indicate something that requires more effort or presents more obstacles
Example
The marathon route in this city is more challenging due to its hilly terrain.
Expressions with similar meanings to “hardest”
Example
The expert level of this puzzle is the most difficult to solve.
Used to describe the highest level of challenge or difficulty
Example
The last level of the video game is the toughest to complete.
A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of difficulty
Example
The most challenging part of the project is the research phase.
Using than with comparative “harder”
When using the comparative form harder to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "This task is harder than the previous one." Here, than is used to show that the difficulty of 'this task' is greater than the difficulty of the previous one.
How can I use this expression in context?
“harder” and “hardest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.- 1Academic Subjects
Physics is considered harder than biology.
Physics is considered harder than biology.
- 2Tests and Exams
The final exam is the hardest test of the semester.
The final exam is the hardest test of the semester.
- 3Puzzles and Games
The expert level of the puzzle is harder than the beginner level.
The expert level of the puzzle is harder than the beginner level.
- 4Physical Activities
The advanced yoga pose is the hardest to master.
The advanced yoga pose is the hardest to master.
- 5Work and Projects
The final phase of the project is harder than the earlier stages.
The final phase of the project is harder than the earlier stages.
Related idioms and phrases
Bite off more than you can chew
To take on more responsibility or work than one can handle.
Example
He volunteered for multiple projects and ended up biting off more than he could chew.
Put in the hard yards
To put in a lot of effort and hard work.
Example
She put in the hard yards to achieve her goals.
Break your back
To work extremely hard.
Example
He broke his back to meet the deadline.
