have a hard time in vs have a hard time doing

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Have a hard time in' is used when referring to a specific situation or environment where someone is having difficulty, while 'have a hard time doing' is used when talking about the action or task that is causing difficulty.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 990 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to a specific situation or environment where someone is having difficulty.

"have a hard time in"

This phrase is used to describe a challenging situation or environment that someone is experiencing difficulty in. It is followed by a specific place, context, or situation.

Examples:

I have a hard time in noisy environments.
She has a hard time in math class.
He has a hard time in crowded spaces.

Show examples from the web [+]

- Come on, you know they have a hard time in New York.
Since you are a foreigner and foreigners have a hard time in Germany... 75,000!
I have a hard time letting people in because of my high profile.
Practices such as this mean that the Indians have a hard time of it in their reservations.
They will have a hard time of it in any case, because things are about to get worse.
Folks have a hard enough time in the dark without booze making it worse.
Folks have a hard enough time in the dark without booze making it worse.
Did you have a hard time fitting in at Colonial Times Junior High?
Unfortunately, what we are seeing is that Christians have a particularly hard time in many countries where the faith of Islam dominates.
We'll have a hard time finding common sense in municipal decisions.
A normal person would really have a hard time being remorseful in that situation.
One is that we have a really hard time thinking in absolute terms.
We have a very hard time keeping trucks in the Flint area.
Covert operatives have a hard time dating.
A lot of times, families have a hard time understanding love.
See, I have a hard time believing that...
You do have a hard time getting real with people.
I know you have a hard time with that.
Because I always have a hard time with those two.
I have a hard time reminding myself.

Alternatives:

struggle in
find it difficult in
face challenges in
encounter difficulties in
have difficulty in

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when talking about the action or task that is causing difficulty.

"have a hard time doing"

This phrase is used to describe a specific action or task that someone is finding challenging. It is followed by a verb or gerund to indicate the activity causing difficulty.

Examples:

She has a hard time doing her homework.
He has a hard time doing public speaking.
They have a hard time doing the project.

Show examples from the web [+]

If he's trying to track oliver down, he won't have a hard time doing it tonight.
Lily and Marshall's best friend for almost 20 years - will have a hard time doing it.
Even I - Lily and Marshall's best friend for almost 20 years - will have a hard time doing it.
Truth be told, I was having a hard time doing that.
But they're having a hard time doing it because they're still trying to use demographics in order to understand them, because that's how ad rates are still determined.
Covert operatives have a hard time dating.
I shouldn't have given you such a hard time about doing it for Paige.
He's having a hard enough time doing what he came here to do.
He's having a hard enough time doing what he came here to do.
Before everyone was giving us a hard time about not doing it every night, we were happy just hanging out in front of the TV.
You gave him a hard time about not doing his job.
See, I have a hard time believing that...
You do have a hard time getting real with people.
I know you have a hard time with that.
Because I always have a hard time with those two.
I have a hard time reminding myself.
We never have a hard time passing.
But I always have a hard time sleeping.
Forgive me if I have a hard time taking you at your word.
You have a hard time with Velcro sometimes.

Alternatives:

struggle with
find it difficult to do
face challenges in doing
encounter difficulties in doing
have difficulty doing

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

have a hard time in vs have a hard time doing