difficult to emulate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to emulate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is challenging to replicate or imitate, often in contexts related to skills, qualities, or achievements. Example: "Her unique approach to problem-solving is truly remarkable and difficult to emulate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

If it was hard to describe, it seemed equally difficult to emulate.

The Guardian - Sport

But other states may find the Texas model difficult to emulate.

The New York Times

Many of the measures that work in other countries are culturally specific, and thus difficult to emulate.

The Economist

But there is, nonetheless, a scrappiness and imbalance to the work, a spiritual discord that makes it difficult to emulate.

The New Yorker

But what the military has regarded as a turning point in the Iraq war has proven difficult to emulate.

The Guardian

The process is, though, proving to be particularly difficult to emulate with any great efficiency.During photosynthesis two "half-reactions" take place.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

It may prove a difficult model to emulate in other countries.

Huffington Post

Both Moris and Agehas remain minorities, too cultish for the layman to understand and too technically difficult to easily emulate.

The New York Times

It will be difficult for Egypt to emulate the success they had the last time this Championship was played in Manchester.

BBC

It may become significantly more difficult for new Indian biotechs to emulate Shantha with the higher barriers to innovation for market entry, and existence of a large critical mass of competitors.

Globalization and Health

It would be far more difficult for either Fidel or Raúl Castro to emulate their neighbors in the Caribbean, without challenging the basic precepts of the Cuban revolution.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult to emulate", consider the specific aspect that makes it challenging to replicate. Be precise in identifying whether it's the complexity, skill, or unique circumstances that contribute to the difficulty.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impossibility of emulation. While something might be "difficult to emulate", it's rarely entirely impossible. Use phrasing that acknowledges the challenge without completely dismissing the possibility of replication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to emulate" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe something that presents a significant challenge in replication or imitation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "difficult to emulate" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the challenge of replicating something. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is widespread across various domains, including news, science, and general knowledge. While not inherently formal, it maintains a neutral to professional tone, making it suitable for diverse writing contexts. When employing this phrase, consider the specific aspects contributing to the difficulty and avoid overstating the impossibility of emulation. Alternatives such as "hard to replicate" or "challenging to imitate" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to replicate

Emphasizes the difficulty in creating an exact copy.

challenging to imitate

Highlights the demanding nature of mimicking something.

not easily duplicated

Focuses on the complexity of producing a counterpart.

tough to mirror

Indicates the demanding nature of reflecting a certain characteristic.

unlikely to be matched

Suggests that reaching the same level of quality is improbable.

a tall order to reproduce

Emphasizes the high level of difficulty in recreating something.

not straightforward to simulate

Implies that creating a convincing simulation is complex.

presents replication challenges

Highlights the difficulties encountered when trying to replicate something.

poses imitation hurdles

Focuses on the obstacles in imitating a particular behavior or model.

defies easy cloning

Indicates the impossibility of creating a perfect copy.

FAQs

What does "difficult to emulate" mean?

The phrase "difficult to emulate" means that something is challenging to copy or imitate, often due to its complexity, skill requirements, or unique circumstances.

What are some alternatives to "difficult to emulate"?

You can use alternatives like "hard to replicate", "challenging to imitate", or "not easily duplicated" depending on the context.

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

You can use "difficult to emulate" to describe a skill, a strategy, or a characteristic. For instance, "His leadership style is effective but "difficult to emulate" because it relies heavily on his personal charisma."

What makes something "difficult to emulate"?

Something can be "difficult to emulate" due to various factors such as inherent complexity, reliance on specific knowledge or skills, dependence on unique circumstances, or a combination of these elements.