"have a hard time in" vs "have a hard time doing"

Question

"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

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.

Alternatives:

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

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.

Alternatives:

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

Answer 1

have a hard time in

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

Answer 2

have a hard time doing

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

"have a hard time in" vs "have a hard time doing"

have a hard time in

have a hard time doing

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