hard to attack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard to attack" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is difficult to criticize, challenge, or undermine, often in a strategic or argumentative context. Example: "The team's defense was so well-structured that it was hard to attack their position during the debate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Emotional egalitarianism, for example, looks hard to attack.

The Guardian - Books

And we and the police work very hard together to make our community hard to attack.

Independent

It is hard to attack in those conditions, especially against Baltimore.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's hard to attack success," said William E. Kennard, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.

The New York Times - Tech

From Katrina to Enron to the war in Iraq, Bush's missteps weren't hard to attack.

The New York Times - Books

It's hard to attack on the front side of the defense, because they load on the strong side.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

It may, however, become harder to attack Iraq with impunity.

The Economist

Political opponents find it harder to attack them.

The Guardian

And, she added: "It becomes harder to attack.

The New York Times

Ships have been made harder to attack by a range of measures known as BMP, or best management practice.

The Economist

As security has improved around buildings holding American troops and other foreigners, it has been harder to attack them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hard to attack" when you want to convey that something or someone is difficult to criticize, challenge, or physically harm due to strong defenses, popular support, or inherent qualities.

Common error

Avoid using "hard to attack" in situations where a more precise adjective would be more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "the problem is hard to attack", consider "the problem is complex" or "the problem is intractable" to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to attack" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a quality of being difficult to assail or criticize. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a grammatically sound construction. The examples show its use in describing both physical defenses and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hard to attack" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe something that is difficult to assail, criticize, or undermine. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its frequency is common, primarily appearing in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning of strong resistance, and be mindful of more precise alternatives when applicable. Common errors include using it in overly abstract situations. Top sources include The New York Times, The Economist, and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to assail

This phrase emphasizes the difficulty in launching an offensive, whether literal or figurative.

tough to criticize

This alternative focuses specifically on the challenge of finding fault or flaws.

challenging to undermine

This highlights the struggle to weaken or subvert something's foundation or position.

impregnable

This single word denotes an inability to be penetrated or overcome, often in a military context.

resistant to assault

This phrase emphasizes the capability to withstand physical or verbal attacks.

well-defended

This describes something that has strong protective measures in place.

unassailable

This suggests that something is so strong or well-established that it cannot be disputed or questioned.

formidable to confront

This emphasizes the strength or power of something that makes it difficult to deal with.

impenetrable

This highlights the impossibility of entering or understanding something.

difficult to breach

This phrase emphasizes the challenge of breaking through defenses or barriers.

FAQs

What does "hard to attack" mean?

The phrase "hard to attack" means something is difficult to criticize, challenge, or physically harm. It suggests a strong defense or an unassailable position.

What can I say instead of "hard to attack"?

You can use alternatives like "difficult to assail", "tough to criticize", or "challenging to undermine" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "hard to attack"?

It's appropriate when describing something well-defended, whether physically or conceptually. For example, "The fortress was hard to attack" or "Her argument was hard to attack because it was based on solid evidence."

How does "hard to attack" differ from "difficult to challenge"?

"Hard to attack" implies a stronger sense of resistance or impenetrability, suggesting that direct confrontation is unlikely to succeed. "Difficult to challenge" simply indicates that disputing or questioning something will be arduous, without necessarily implying invincibility.