hard to combat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard to combat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing challenges or issues that are difficult to address or overcome. Example: "The rise of misinformation online has created a situation that is hard to combat for many organizations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This tactic is extremely hard to combat.

The New Yorker

That makes them incredibly hard to combat.

Harvard Business Review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is notoriously hard to combat for its high incidence and mortality rates.

European Journal of Operational Research

Modern arguments for skepticism are hard to combat, but also curiously inert in ordinary life.

Stanford University

"It's so hard to combat, especially with the rise of encrypted communications," Ahmad said.

The New Yorker

Administration officials vigorously disputed that characterization, saying the government is working hard to combat the terrorist threat on social media.

The Washington Post

Some of the reasons, such as oil's distorting effects on exchange rates, trade balances and credit, are hard to combat.

The New York Times

The comments come as the Coalition has worked hard to combat perceptions that Mr Abbott has a "woman problem".

The Guardian

"The very reason that terrorism is so hard to combat is that terrorists absolutely refuse to bunch up," he writes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Undoubtedly, the battles in Kyrgios' mind are harder to combat.

The Guardian - Sport

That, in turn, has resulted in many variants of Zeus botnets, making them harder to combat.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about abstract concepts or strategies, consider alternatives like "challenging to address" or "difficult to manage" for a more nuanced approach.

Common error

While "hard to combat" is generally acceptable, overuse in casual conversation can sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "tough to beat" or "difficult to handle" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to combat" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by describing the level of difficulty associated with fighting or opposing it. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly correct and frequently employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

23%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hard to combat" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes something difficult to fight or oppose. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this expression effectively conveys the significant challenges associated with overcoming an obstacle. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for diverse audiences. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "difficult to fight" or "challenging to address". Be mindful of overusing the phrase in informal settings, where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to fight

Replaces "combat" with the more common term "fight", slightly reducing formality.

challenging to address

Focuses on the difficulty of finding a solution, rather than direct opposition.

tough to tackle

Uses a more informal verb, "tackle", implying a hands-on approach to the problem.

formidable to oppose

Emphasizes the strength and power of what is being combated, increasing formality.

arduous to counteract

Highlights the effort required to neutralize the effect, adding a sense of burden.

not easy to overcome

Simple and straightforward alternative focusing on the difficulty of achieving victory.

presents a difficult challenge

Shifts the focus to the challenge itself rather than the act of combating.

resistant to efforts

Indicates that the subject is not easily influenced or changed by attempts to combat it.

demands significant resistance

Highlights the amount of resistance required to combat the subject successfully.

poses a considerable obstacle

Frames the issue as an obstacle that must be overcome, changing the perspective.

FAQs

What does "hard to combat" mean?

The phrase "hard to combat" means that something is difficult to fight, oppose, or overcome. It suggests that significant effort and resources are required to address the issue effectively.

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

You can use alternatives like "difficult to fight", "challenging to address", or "tough to tackle" depending on the context.

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

Both "difficult to combat" and "hard to combat" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Hard to combat" is slightly more informal, while "difficult to combat" may sound more formal, but the choice often depends on personal preference or the context.

Which is correct, "hard to combat" or "hard to be combated"?

"Hard to combat" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Hard to be combated" is grammatically awkward and less frequently used. The active voice is generally preferred for clarity and directness.