difficult to duplicate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to duplicate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is hard to replicate or reproduce, often in contexts related to products, designs, or unique skills. Example: "The artist's technique is so unique that it is difficult to duplicate, making each piece truly one of a kind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

They're also phenomenally difficult to duplicate.

The New Yorker

I think it'd be difficult to duplicate that again.

The New York Times

The recording industry is developing technology to make copyrighted music more difficult to duplicate.

The New York Times - Tech

And the ballroom would be difficult to duplicate in a renovation of a more conventional building.

The New York Times

But he and others said it would be difficult to duplicate oat bran's success.

The New York Times

BankAmerica's magnet effect has created a financial climate that will be difficult to duplicate, he said.

The New York Times

But it will be difficult to duplicate what he has meant to the program.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

This is a difficult benefit to duplicate if you're a renter, but you may be able to get close nonetheless.

Huffington Post

Regardless, both players will be important pieces for USA Basketball for years, in part because they have difficult-to-duplicate skill sets.

The New York Times

History suggests that it will be difficult for him to duplicate his production this week against Oakland.

The New York Times - Sports

"It will take time for them to realize how difficult it is to duplicate this life-style," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing intellectual property or proprietary processes, use "difficult to duplicate" to emphasize the value of the protection afforded by patents or trade secrets.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to duplicate" when "challenging" or "complex" would be more accurate. Reserve it for situations where replication is truly arduous, not merely demanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to duplicate" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a quality of something being hard to replicate or reproduce. As Ludwig AI explains, it expresses the level of effort or complexity involved in recreating something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "difficult to duplicate" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey that something is hard to replicate or reproduce. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. Its primary function is to describe the quality of something as hard to replicate, serving the purpose of emphasizing uniqueness or complexity. While suitable for a range of registers, it appears most frequently in news and media sources. For alternative phrasing, consider "hard to replicate" or "challenging to reproduce". When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the actual level of difficulty involved and avoid overstating the impossibility of replication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to replicate

Indicates a high degree of difficulty in recreating something; emphasizes the effort required.

challenging to reproduce

Highlights the demanding nature of recreating something, often suggesting a need for specific skills or resources.

tough to imitate

Focuses on the difficulty in mimicking something, particularly skills or styles.

not easily replicated

Emphasizes the lack of ease in reproducing something, suggesting a more technical or scientific context.

unlikely to be copied

Highlights the improbability of someone successfully making a duplicate, often due to complexity or uniqueness.

inimitable

Implies something is so unique it cannot be copied.

one-of-a-kind

Stresses the uniqueness of something, making direct duplication impossible.

unique and irreplaceable

Highlights both the distinctiveness and the impossibility of finding an equivalent.

difficult to achieve again

Focuses on the difficulty of reaching the same level or outcome, usually in performance or achievements.

not easily emulated

Highlights the difficulty of imitating or mirroring someone's qualities or actions.

FAQs

What does "difficult to duplicate" mean?

The phrase "difficult to duplicate" means that something is hard to replicate or reproduce, typically due to its complexity, uniqueness, or proprietary nature.

How can I use "difficult to duplicate" in a sentence?

You can use "difficult to duplicate" to describe anything that is hard to replicate, such as "The recipe's secret ingredient makes the dish "difficult to duplicate"".

What can I say instead of "difficult to duplicate"?

You can use alternatives like "hard to replicate", "challenging to reproduce", or "tough to imitate" depending on the context.

What makes something "difficult to duplicate"?

Several factors can make something "difficult to duplicate", including proprietary ingredients, complex processes, specialized skills, or unique combinations of elements.