What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
difficult
Example
The exam was difficult, but I managed to pass it. [difficult: adjective]
Example
It's difficult to understand the instructions without any examples. [difficult: adjective]
Example
She's a difficult boss to work with because she has high expectations. [difficult: adjective]
hard
Example
I worked hard to finish the project on time. [hard: adverb]
Example
The weather conditions were hard to endure during the camping trip. [hard: adjective]
Example
He's a hard worker who never gives up. [hard: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hard is more commonly used than difficult in everyday language. Hard is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while difficult is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between difficult and hard?
Both difficult and hard can be used in formal and informal contexts, but difficult may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its Latin origin.
