hard against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard against" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is firmly or closely positioned next to something else, often implying pressure or contact. Example: "The fence was built hard against the property line, leaving no space for a garden."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The wind kites hard against us.

The New York Times

The industry fought hard against this.

The Economist

Airlines would fight hard against the competition.

The Economist

It will campaign hard against Scot independence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Never press it hard against the surface.

The New York Times

Costa fought hard against the decision.

The New Yorker

Google lobbied hard against the rule.

The Guardian - Tech

"He pushed me hard against him.

The Guardian

We just play hard against every team".

The New York Times - Sports

The United States has lobbied hard against the idea.

The Economist

He pressed his phone hard against his ear.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hard against" to vividly describe a physical closeness or a strong opposition. Consider the context to ensure the implication of pressure or resistance is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "hard against" when you simply mean 'near' or 'close to'. The phrase implies a degree of force, pressure, or resistance that should be intentional in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard against" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed, indicating forceful contact or resistance. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hard against" is a grammatically correct and frequently used English expression that conveys the idea of forceful contact or strong opposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and can be employed in both literal and figurative contexts. While it appears most often in news and media sources, it's appropriate for general use provided the intended nuance of pressure or resistance is relevant. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "firmly pressed against" or "strongly opposed to", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

firmly pressed against

This alternative emphasizes the pressure and contact between two objects, similar to "hard against" but uses a more descriptive verb.

tightly up against

This highlights the closeness of the contact, suggesting a lack of space between the objects.

pushed forcefully against

This alternative explicitly includes the action of pushing, adding an element of force.

closely abutting

This is a more formal alternative, emphasizing the touching of borders or edges.

right next to

This is a simpler, more direct way of expressing close proximity, lacking the implication of pressure.

in direct contact with

This emphasizes the physical touch between the objects, suitable for technical or descriptive contexts.

strongly resisting

This shifts the meaning towards opposition, indicating a force pushing back against something.

in staunch opposition to

This is a more formal and emphatic way to describe opposing something, focusing on a firm stance.

fiercely contesting

This highlights the intensity and active nature of the opposition.

standing in firm resistance to

This alternative emphasizes a determined and unwavering opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "hard against" in a sentence?

You can use "hard against" to describe physical proximity with force, as in "He pressed his phone "hard against" his ear", or to indicate strong opposition, as in "They campaigned "hard against" the new law".

What does "hard against" mean?

The phrase "hard against" typically means in close physical contact with force or pressure. It can also metaphorically mean in strong opposition to something.

What are some alternatives to "hard against"?

Some alternatives include "firmly pressed against", "strongly opposed to", or "tightly up against", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "hard against"?

Yes, "hard against" is a correct and usable phrase in English. It is often used to describe physical closeness or strong opposition, as Ludwig AI confirms.