hard sought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard sought" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe something that was difficult or laborious to find or achieve. For example: "The hard sought cure for cancer was finally discovered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The other was close to a B-minus, and while he did poorly early on, he worked hard, sought help and improved significantly.

The New York Times - Magazine

They got their wish, for a while: eventually, they pushed the accelerator too hard, sought too much outrage, and the film got banned.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"They come here and work hard seeking a better life just like our ancestors did.

The New Yorker

He says he's going to be working hard, seeking a mobilisation of fresh energy.

The Guardian

The new CAFE rules are scheduled to be reviewed this summer, and automakers are pushing back hard, seeking adjustments that would weaken the standards to reflect this new reality of cheap gasoline.

University of California, Berkeley

Best Advice: Study hard; seek out mentors, and have fun!

Science Magazine

"Majority Leader Cantor worked hard seeking to move the bill forward so we can protect victims and prosecute offenders," said Cantor spokesman Doug Heye.

Huffington Post

Join membership groups for nonprofits, find mentors, listen hard, seek guidance as often as you need to and you will be able to help more people for a longer period of time and you will not fail.

HuffPost

Had Harding sought out the independent directors they could theoretically have blocked him from being sacked – but it is not clear how any editor of the Times or Sunday Times could function without the support of the proprietor.

The Guardian

Harding sought the advice of Wales team-mate Jess Fishlock, who has played in the National Women's Soccer League for the past two seasons with Seattle Reign.

BBC

So, as these things often go, the true die-hards seek ever-more-perilous thrills.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hard sought" to emphasize the difficulty and persistence required to find or achieve something. This phrasing adds a layer of intensity to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "hard sought" in everyday situations where a simpler term like "searched for" or "looked for" would suffice. Reserve it for situations where the effort and difficulty are truly significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard sought" functions as a modifier describing something that has been pursued or searched for with great effort and determination. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While not exceptionally common, it effectively highlights the intensity of the search or pursuit.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hard sought" describes something achieved or found only after significant effort. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is correct and usable in English. Although relatively rare, it effectively conveys the intensity of a search or pursuit, as reflected in its usage across news and academic contexts. Alternative phrases like "arduously sought" or "diligently pursued" can provide similar emphasis. When using "hard sought", be mindful to reserve it for situations where the effort and difficulty are truly substantial, adding depth and impact to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arduously sought

Emphasizes the difficulty and effort involved in the search.

diligently pursued

Highlights the persistence and careful attention in the seeking process.

intensely searched for

Focuses on the high degree of effort and focus during the search.

earnestly looked for

Indicates a sincere and serious effort to find something.

vigorously investigated

Suggests an active and energetic examination or inquiry.

zealously pursued

Conveys an enthusiastic and passionate effort to achieve something.

assiduously strived for

Highlights the consistent and unwavering effort to reach a goal.

painstakingly searched

Implies a very careful and thorough search, paying attention to every detail.

determinedly sought after

Focuses on resolve and purposefulness in seeking something.

resolutely aimed for

Indicates a firm and unwavering commitment to achieving a particular goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "hard sought" to describe something that required a lot of effort to find or achieve, such as "The "hard sought remedy" for the disease was finally discovered".

What are some alternatives to "hard sought"?

Some alternatives include "arduously sought", "diligently pursued", or "intensely searched for". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "hard sought" formal or informal?

"Hard sought" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more appropriate for formal writing or when emphasizing the difficulty of the search.

What does "hard sought" emphasize in a sentence?

"Hard sought" emphasizes the difficulty, effort, and persistence involved in finding or achieving something. It suggests that the object of the search was not easily obtained.