hard fought for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard fought for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to something that was obtained after a great deal of effort, struggle or difficulty, or to refer to something that was the result of a long, hard battle. For example: The issue had been hard fought for, but the protestors were victorious in the end.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

They were hard fought for in the face of ardent opposition.

Independent

"That's why I'm here," he said, and each victory has been hard fought for the players as well as for the general manager.

The New York Times - Sports

The woman I meet seems sanguine but this peace of mind, if that is what it is, has been hard fought for.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I have every reason to believe that the opt-outs that were so hard fought for by Britain are going to be kept in the text," he said.

The Guardian

"I think the progress that we have made, and particularly the Democratic Party has made, has been hard fought for, hard won, and must be defended".

The New Yorker

Alarming, then, that there is all too little scrutiny of a far-reaching attack on a democratic system that was so hard fought for.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The investigation made Mr. Menendez's race one of the hardest fought for Democrats nationally in a year that otherwise put the wind at their backs, but in the end he won with 53 percent of the vote.

The New York Times

A narrator saluted the fight for racial freedom and an "even harder" fight for equality.

The New York Times

Because of them, Barack Obama and I could wage a hard fought campaign for the Democratic nomination.

Huffington Post

Planned Parenthood Great Plains Interim President and CEO Aaron Samulcek called the decision "a hard fought victory for Missourians". .

Huffington Post

But Mr. Rees predicts a hard fight for a total volume of business that is now shrinking.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hard fought for" to emphasize the difficulty and struggle involved in achieving a particular outcome or goal. This phrase adds weight and significance to the accomplishment.

Common error

Avoid using "hard fought for" when the subject is not the one doing the fighting. This phrase implies a struggle; ensure the subject aligns with the action of fighting.

Linguistic Context

Adjectival phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its function in describing something gained through significant effort. The phrase "hard fought for" typically modifies nouns like 'victory', 'rights', or 'agreement', emphasizing the struggle involved in obtaining them.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hard fought for" is a phrase used to describe something achieved after considerable struggle and effort. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically sound and effectively conveys the difficulty involved in obtaining a particular outcome. It functions as an adjectival phrase, typically modifying nouns to emphasize their value and significance. While suitable for formal and informal contexts, it is most frequently found in news and media, indicating a neutral register. Use it to add weight and importance to accomplishments that required substantial effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arduously worked towards

Focuses on the difficult and strenuous effort exerted to achieve something, emphasizing the demanding nature of the process.

resolutely achieved

Emphasizes the unwavering determination and firmness of purpose in accomplishing something, highlighting the commitment to success.

earnestly pursued

Focuses on the dedication and effort involved in the pursuit, rather than the difficulty of the struggle.

determinedly secured

Highlights the resolve and purposefulness in achieving something, emphasizing the unwavering commitment to the goal.

strenuously sought

Focuses on the vigorous and energetic effort made to find or obtain something, emphasizing the intensity of the search.

laboriously attained

Emphasizes the extensive effort and toil required to achieve something, highlighting the arduous nature of the task.

tenaciously upheld

Emphasizes the unwavering commitment and persistence in maintaining or defending something, highlighting the steadfast nature of the effort.

diligently strived for

Highlights persistent effort and determination in achieving a goal, emphasizing the dedication and commitment.

fiercely defended

Focuses on the intensity and determination in protecting something, highlighting the strong resistance against opposition.

vigorously contested

Highlights the intensity and energy involved in a dispute or competition, emphasizing the active and forceful nature of the struggle.

FAQs

How can I use "hard fought for" in a sentence?

You can use "hard fought for" to describe rights, victories, or agreements that were obtained after significant effort and struggle. For example, "The union secured a "hard fought for" agreement after months of negotiations".

What are some alternatives to "hard fought for"?

Alternatives include "earnestly pursued", "diligently strived for", or "laboriously attained", each carrying a slightly different emphasis on the type of effort involved.

Is it appropriate to use "hard fought for" in formal writing?

Yes, "hard fought for" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when conveying the intensity and difficulty associated with achieving a specific outcome. It is common in "news media" and "business" contexts.

What's the difference between "hard fought for" and "easily achieved"?

"Hard fought for" emphasizes the struggle and effort required to attain something, while "easily achieved" indicates that something was obtained without much difficulty. They represent opposite ends of the spectrum regarding the effort involved in achieving a goal.