Hardened

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "Hardened" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that has become tough or resistant, often due to experience or exposure. Example: "After years of training, he had a hardened demeanor that intimidated others." Alternative expressions include "toughened" and "fortified."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Ed Miliband hardened his opposition to a deal with the Scottish National party, saying that he was "not going to have a Labour government if it means deals or coalitions with the SNP".

The Guardian

The harrier-lovers' conviction that grouse estates were behind their disappearance had been hardened by a case in 2011, when Murphy had fitted a tag to a juvenile hen harrier, Bowland Betty.

The Guardian

Doctoral theses will some day be written on how, as the arteries of social mobility hardened, the BBC served up ever more versions of the minted entrepreneur: Dragons' Den, Gerry Robinson, The Apprentice.

The Guardian - Opinion

Owen Smith, the Pontypridd MP and shadow secretary of state for Wales, believes that, if anything, the Scottish debate has hardened Welsh hearts and minds against independence.

The Guardian

Until recently, inhabitants of Mtabila camp had access to a broad range of services but, as the government's attitude hardened, the refugees have been subjected to massive restrictions, despite the presence of the UNHCR.

The Guardian

So off my daughter and I went, a couple of weeks ago, to an island formed from volcanic lava that hardened into black rock.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Mujtaba is a good example of the new breed of Shia fighter, hellbent on confronting what they see as an existential threat against them, battle-hardened by more than a decade of conflict in Iraq and Syria and, in some cases, trained in Iran and Lebanon under the unrelenting attention of Hezbollah.

The Guardian

Mr Filner, battle-hardened after two decades in Congress, took office with guns blazing, picking fights with hoteliers, the tourist board and the city attorney.

The Economist

Part of the motivation back then was to prove a point against supposedly superior, battle-hardened opponents from the south.

The Guardian - Sport

More surprisingly, for a decade before the ban, battle-hardened officials in the Home Office and Northern Ireland office, and senior mandarins in the Cabinet Office struggled to stop a ban.

The Guardian - Opinion

According to those who have hired or worked alongside them, they are highly professional, skilled and battle-hardened by the South African border wars, in which they often fought alongside black comrades.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hardened" to describe a person's emotional state, consider the connotations. It often implies a negative change due to difficult experiences. Choose alternative words with more neutral or positive connotations if the context requires it.

Common error

Avoid using "hardened" as a general descriptor of toughness. It can sound overly dramatic or negative. Instead, opt for words like "resilient", "strong", or "experienced" to convey a similar meaning with a more positive or neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "hardened" primarily functions as an adjective and a past participle. As an adjective, it describes a state of being made tough or resistant, physically or emotionally. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its frequent usage in modifying nouns to indicate this quality.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

26%

Science

26%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hardened" functions primarily as an adjective and past participle, indicating a state of increased resistance or decreased sensitivity. Ludwig AI's analysis, based on a diverse array of sources, confirms its correctness and common usage, especially in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, writers should consider the potential negative connotations when describing emotional states and opt for alternatives like "resilient" or "experienced" when appropriate. Overall, "hardened" is a versatile word, though its usage requires careful consideration of context and connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Toughened

Indicates a strengthening or increased resilience, often through difficult experiences.

Calloused

Suggests emotional or physical desensitization due to repeated exposure.

Tempered

Implies a refinement or strengthening process, often through adversity.

Inured

Describes becoming accustomed to something unpleasant, leading to reduced sensitivity.

Fortified

Highlights the act of strengthening or protecting against attack or adversity.

Seasoned

Indicates experience and maturity, often implying resilience.

Indurated

Refers to the process of becoming firm or hard, often in a physical sense.

Steeled

Suggests mental or emotional preparation for a difficult situation.

Desensitized

Highlights a reduced emotional response due to repeated exposure.

Reinforced

Indicates strengthening or supporting something to prevent failure.

FAQs

How can I use "hardened" in a sentence?

You can use "hardened" to describe something that has become tough or resistant, like "The steel was hardened through heat treatment" or to describe someone who has become less sensitive, like "The soldier had a hardened exterior after years of war."

What can I say instead of "hardened"?

You can use alternatives like "toughened", "calloused", or "tempered" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "hardened" or "toughened"?

"Hardened" and "toughened" are both correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Hardened" often implies a loss of sensitivity, while "toughened" simply suggests increased strength or resilience.

What's the difference between "hardened" and "steeled"?

"Hardened" typically refers to a permanent change in physical or emotional state, while "steeled" suggests a deliberate act of preparing oneself for a difficult situation. For example, "He hardened his heart" versus "He steeled himself for the challenge".