hard to compete with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard to compete with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something or someone which is difficult to match with in terms of ability, quality, etc. For example: "I heard that new recruit is incredible; her skills are hard to compete with."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

That's hard to compete with".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's hard to compete with those countries".

The New York Times - Sports

So it's hard to compete with men".

The New York Times

But it's hard to compete with free.

The New York Times

It's hard to compete with that.

The New York Times - Tech

It's hard to compete with the subways".

The New York Times

"The Battle of Shrewsbury is hard to compete with".

The New Yorker

It's hard to compete with sports and patriotism.

The New York Times - Sports

It is really hard to compete with us".

The Guardian

But it is hard to compete with free.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It was just hard to compete with their athleticism," Elsenbach said.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hard to compete with", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared and the specific attributes that make the comparison difficult. This provides clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "hard to compete with" in overly casual conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or even boastful in informal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "tough to beat" or "really good" in less formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to compete with" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe something possessing qualities that make it challenging to rival. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hard to compete with" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe entities or situations that present significant challenges to rivals. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in English. Predominantly found in news and media, but also present in formal business and academic settings, it maintains a generally neutral register. When writing, make sure the context is clear and avoids overuse in informal conversations. For alternative phrases consider ""difficult to rival"" or "formidable opponent" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to rival

This alternative focuses on the difficulty of matching someone's excellence or achievements.

tough to contend with

This suggests a struggle or challenge in opposing someone or something.

formidable opponent

This highlights the strength and intimidating nature of the competition.

a cut above the rest

This emphasizes superiority and being significantly better than others.

in a league of its own

This indicates uniqueness and being unmatched in a particular field.

sets a high bar

This emphasizes the establishment of a challenging standard to meet.

cannot hold a candle to

This implies a significant difference in quality, where one is far inferior.

unbeatable

This suggests that someone or something is impossible to defeat.

out of reach

This indicates something is unattainable or too difficult to achieve.

matchless

This emphasizes the unrivaled and incomparable nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "hard to compete with" in a sentence?

Use "hard to compete with" to describe a situation where matching someone or something in terms of quality, price, or ability is difficult. For instance, "Their innovative technology is "difficult to rival"".

What are some alternatives to saying "hard to compete with"?

You can use alternatives such as ""difficult to rival"", "tough to contend with", or "formidable opponent" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "hard to compete against" instead of "hard to compete with"?

While "hard to compete against" isn't incorrect, "hard to compete with" is more commonly used and idiomatic. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What makes something "hard to compete with"?

Something can be "hard to compete with" due to various factors such as superior quality, lower price, innovative technology, or established brand recognition. The phrase suggests a significant advantage that makes matching the competitor challenging.