hard competition

USAGE SUMMARY

"hard competition" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use this phrase to describe any situation in which two or more people or groups are competing for something. For example, "The mayoral race is going to be a hard competition this year, with three strong candidates vying for the position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

So it's hard competition".

The New York Times - Style

"The Premier League is a really hard competition," Carnevale says.

The Guardian - Sport

In order to remain on the market these conditions must nevertheless be managed by companies in hard competition with other manufacturers.

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

It might be defined not just as hard competition but as the deployment of unfair, unethical and distasteful (if often technically legal) methods.

The New York Times

"Not when you apply whether the two-hour rule – that it cannot be used within two hours of hard competition or hard training – is not valid.

The Guardian - Sport

To enter into a new era of hard competition on big money questions involving companies, this is very bad for the western world.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

But in recent years, the company has been hit hard by heavy competition.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was hit hard by tough competition from online rivals, supermarkets and digital downloads.

BBC

Gender differences and the effect of facing harder competition.

Stanford University

"It's a harder level and harder competition".

The New York Times - Sports

Among the new freaks is the hen with the human face, she is giving Adonis, the bull with the human skin, the hardest competition he ever had.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the intensity of competition, use "hard competition" to convey the high level of effort and challenge involved. For example, "The tech industry faces "hard competition" for skilled engineers."

Common error

Avoid using "hard competition" when you actually mean "unfair competition". "Hard" refers to the intensity and difficulty, while "unfair" implies unethical or illegal practices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard competition" functions as a noun phrase, where "hard" modifies the noun "competition". Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and acceptable. It typically describes the intensity or difficulty of a competitive environment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hard competition" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe situations with intense rivalry. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and acceptability. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, it conveys a neutral tone and emphasizes the challenges and difficulties involved in a competitive environment. Consider alternatives like "intense rivalry" or "stiff competition" depending on the specific nuance intended. Ensure you're using it to describe difficulty, not to imply unfair practices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense rivalry

Emphasizes the heightened state of competition.

fierce contest

Highlights the aggressive nature of the competition.

stiff competition

Indicates strong competition that is difficult to overcome.

tough rivalry

Focuses on the difficulty and endurance required in the competitive environment.

keen competition

Highlights the enthusiasm and eagerness involved in the competition.

heated battle

Emphasizes the conflict and intensity of the competition.

close match

Focuses on the balanced and tight nature of the competition.

vigorous competition

Stresses the active and energetic nature of the competitive environment.

cutthroat competition

Emphasizes the ruthless and aggressive nature of the competition.

dog-eat-dog world

Implies a highly competitive environment where only the strongest survive.

FAQs

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

You can use "hard competition" to describe situations where there is intense rivalry and a high level of challenge, such as "The startup is facing "hard competition" from established companies."

What are some alternatives to "hard competition"?

Alternatives include "intense rivalry", "fierce contest", or "stiff competition", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "hard competition" the same as "unfair competition"?

No, "hard competition" refers to intense and challenging competition, while "unfair competition" implies unethical or illegal competitive practices. They are not interchangeable.

What's the difference between "hard competition" and "tough competition"?

"Hard competition" and "tough competition" are largely synonymous, both describing a high degree of difficulty and challenge in a competitive environment. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.