ENGLISH
REFERENCE

too hard

fixed phr..
A1 Beginner Oxford

fixed phr.. This describes something that is more difficult than you can manage. You use it when a task or problem is beyond your ability or requires too much effort.

fixed phr.. An adjectival phrase indicating that the level of difficulty, effort, or firmness exceeds a desirable or manageable limit. It combines the adverb of degree 'too' with the adjective 'hard'.


SIMPLE

This math problem is too hard.

CONTEXTUAL

He tried to open the jar, but the lid was too hard to turn.

COMPLEX

The ethical dilemma was too hard for the committee to resolve, leading to a stalemate in the proceedings.

Usage

Often followed by 'for [someone]' or 'to [do something]' to specify the context of the difficulty.

Teaching tip

Teach the pattern 'too + adjective' to express an excess or a negative result, contrasting it with 'very + adjective' (high degree) and 'adjective + enough' (sufficient degree).

Pitfall

This is too much hard.This is too hard.'Too' is an adverb that modifies the adjective 'hard' directly; 'much' is not needed here.

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