hard to challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard to challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is difficult to dispute or contest, often referring to an argument, idea, or belief. Example: "The evidence presented in the report is so compelling that it is hard to challenge its conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That made it hard to challenge predictions.

The Economist

As such, it's hard to challenge.

The New Yorker

It is so hard to challenge.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's still hard to challenge the U.S".

The New York Times

The brutal, ruthless part seems hard to challenge.

The New York Times - Sports

After 20 years, it was hard to challenge those dictums.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is purposely obscure and hard to challenge.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is hard to challenge the hard sciences' basic picture of reality.

The New York Times

Jacob's charisma and authority, wrote Leigh Honeywell, make him hard to challenge.

The Guardian - Tech

"I think it would be hard to challenge a finding of dementia".

The New York Times

"We seem to be getting satiated visually, but sonically it's hard to challenge yourself".

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hard to challenge", ensure that the context clearly indicates what makes the subject difficult to dispute. Providing specific reasons strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "hard to challenge" when a statement is merely difficult, not impossible, to dispute. Overstating the case can undermine your credibility. Consider alternatives like "difficult to challenge" or "not easy to challenge" for nuanced expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to challenge" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating that something is difficult to dispute or contest. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage across various domains. The Ludwig AI also confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hard to challenge" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe something difficult to dispute or question. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It appears frequently in news and media, but also in more formal contexts like science and business. While alternatives exist, such as "difficult to dispute" or "tough to contest", the original phrase remains a versatile and widely understood choice. When using it, ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the subject difficult to challenge, and avoid overstating the impossibility of doing so.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to dispute

Replaces "hard" with "difficult", maintaining the same meaning.

tough to contest

Substitutes "hard" with "tough" and "challenge" with "contest", offering a slightly less formal tone.

difficult to refute

Replaces "challenge" with "refute", emphasizing the difficulty in proving something wrong.

unlikely to be questioned

Shifts the focus to the low probability of something being questioned.

not easily opposed

Highlights the resistance one would face in trying to oppose something.

resistant to scrutiny

Focuses on the ability to withstand close examination or criticism.

impervious to criticism

Emphasizes the inability of something to be affected by criticism.

firmly established

Indicates that something is so well-established that it's difficult to question.

undeniable

Presents something as impossible to deny or contradict.

irrefutable

Suggests that something cannot be disproven.

FAQs

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

You can use "hard to challenge" to describe something that is difficult to dispute or question. For example, "The data is so compelling that the conclusion is "hard to challenge"".

What are some alternatives to "hard to challenge"?

Alternatives to "hard to challenge" include "difficult to dispute", "tough to contest", or "unlikely to be questioned", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "hard to challenge" or "difficult to challenge"?

"Hard to challenge" and "difficult to challenge" are largely interchangeable. "Difficult" is slightly more formal, but both are grammatically sound and widely accepted.

What makes something "hard to challenge"?

Something might be "hard to challenge" due to strong evidence, widespread agreement, or authoritative support. For instance, a scientific theory supported by extensive research would be "hard to challenge".