hard to attain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard to attain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is difficult to achieve or reach, whether it be a goal, a standard, or an object. Example: "Achieving a perfect work-life balance can be hard to attain for many professionals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Some main economic goals may be especially hard to attain.

The New York Times

Given current trends, Rwanda's 49% of female parliamentarians, or even Afghanistan's 28%, seem hard to attain.

The Guardian - Opinion

The other was the home-court advantage they had worked so hard to attain.

The New York Times - Sports

But a broad audience and impact, two goals of traditional journalism, have been hard to attain.

The New York Times - Magazine

European integration is easy to speak of but very hard to attain".

Independent

I'm still young and working hard to attain my higher secondary education school, just like most girls in the community.

The Guardian

"The skills that you needed ten years ago to do modelling and matte painting were hard to attain," he said.

The New Yorker

Clothes were required to suit the broad shoulders, narrow waists and levels of aerobic fitness many guys worked so hard to attain.

The New York Times

If the painting, La Liberté guidant le peuple, teaches us anything it is that liberty – as both concept and personification – is complex, slippery and hard to attain.

The Guardian - Books

If so, then the show loses a lot of the feminist credibility that Ms. Shasman-Palladino haseemeded to work so hard to attain.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The study found those who could not renounce hard-to-attain goals showed increased levels of the inflammatory molecule C-reactive protein, which is linked to such health problems as heart disease, diabetes and early aging in adults.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts or goals, use "hard to attain" to emphasize the effort and persistence required for achievement.

Common error

While acceptable in various settings, avoid overusing "hard to attain" in casual conversation. Consider simpler alternatives like "difficult" or "challenging" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to attain" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe something challenging to achieve. It conveys a sense of difficulty and the need for significant effort, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hard to attain" is a versatile phrase used to describe goals and achievements that require substantial effort. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, it is essential to consider the specific context and audience when choosing between "hard to attain" and its alternatives like "difficult to achieve" or "challenging to reach". By understanding its nuances and potential pitfalls, you can effectively use "hard to attain" to convey the appropriate level of difficulty and commitment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to achieve

Replaces "hard" with a synonym, maintaining the overall meaning.

challenging to reach

Substitutes both "hard" and "attain" with near synonyms, altering the phrasing slightly.

tough to accomplish

Uses more informal synonyms for "hard" and "attain", changing the tone.

not easily achieved

Employs a negative construction to convey the same idea of difficulty.

requires significant effort

Shifts the focus to the effort required, rather than the inherent difficulty.

presents a major challenge

Frames the attainment as a challenge to be overcome.

poses considerable difficulty

Uses more formal language to express the concept of difficulty.

unattainable in practice

Implies that something may be theoretically possible but not realistic.

beyond one's grasp

Uses a metaphorical expression to suggest that something is out of reach.

difficult to secure

Focuses on the difficulty in securing or obtaining something specifically.

FAQs

How can I use "hard to attain" in a sentence?

You can use "hard to attain" to describe goals or achievements that require significant effort and persistence. For example, "Economic equality would be "hard to attain", but Roosevelt asserted that political democracy would have no meaning without government intervention to cushion the poor and tame the excesses of the rich."

What are some alternatives to "hard to attain"?

Some alternatives include "difficult to achieve", "challenging to reach", or "tough to accomplish". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to use "hard to attain" or "difficult to attain"?

Both "hard to attain" and "difficult to attain" are grammatically correct and widely used. "Difficult" is generally considered slightly more formal, while "hard" is more common in everyday speech.

What makes something "hard to attain"?

Something is "hard to attain" when it requires significant effort, resources, or skills to achieve. It suggests that the goal is not easily reached and may involve overcoming obstacles or challenges.