hard to emulate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard to emulate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is difficult to replicate or imitate, often in the context of skills, qualities, or achievements. Example: "Her unique style and creativity make her hard to emulate in the fashion industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

And her life's training would be particularly hard to emulate.

The New York Times

His style is exciting but hard to emulate because he plays offbeat openings.

The New York Times

But Mrs Fieschi thinks that he will find it hard to emulate Mr Le Pen.

The Economist

And even the network banks have historical advantages that make it hard to emulate them.

The Economist

This was brilliant, because it's hard to emulate your heroes on a mere seesaw.

The Guardian - Arts

The England No 8s have huge potential but must now graft hard to emulate and then beat the best.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Whatever it was he was doing with his hands, it yielded a ferocious, galloping sound that's hard to describe and harder to emulate.

The New Yorker

This great edition, by revealing fully for the first time what that dedication was like, makes his easy-seeming written speech more impressive than ever, and even harder to emulate.

The New Yorker

"When you have someone so excited about what he's doing, it makes you want to try harder to emulate it, to make it work," said Ms. Ansanelli, a soloist with the company.

The New York Times - Arts

Nicky Henderson said yesterday that he will "try even harder" to "emulate last season's amazing results" when a three-month ban on entering his horses, imposed by a disciplinary panel yesterday, expires in October.

The Guardian - Sport

Virgil, we soon suspect, is not merely the abstract apex of human piety and reason but the great poet whom Dante sought hardest to emulate, a charming individual who has not been admitted to Paradise, for the simple reason that he lived too early to accept Christ's offer of salvation.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing achievements or qualities, use "hard to emulate" to convey a sense of exceptional skill or uniqueness that others find difficult to attain. It adds weight to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "hard to emulate" for everyday actions or easily achievable tasks. It's better reserved for scenarios where genuine difficulty in replication exists, otherwise, the phrase can sound hyperbolic or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to emulate" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the difficulty associated with imitating or replicating a particular skill, quality, or achievement. Ludwig AI validates this usage, providing numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hard to emulate" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something difficult to replicate or imitate. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reliable sources, predominantly from News & Media. While versatile, it's best reserved for scenarios where genuine difficulty exists, to avoid sounding hyperbolic. Related phrases include "difficult to imitate" and "challenging to replicate", each with slightly different nuances. When writing, use "hard to emulate" to add weight to your descriptions of exceptional skills or unique qualities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to imitate

Focuses on the challenge of creating a copy or likeness of something.

challenging to replicate

Highlights the complexity involved in producing an exact duplicate.

tough to reproduce

Emphasizes the resilience required to recreate something successfully.

not easily duplicated

Indicates that the subject is unique and resistant to straightforward copying.

hard to match

Suggests that achieving the same level of quality or success is problematic.

difficult to mirror

Implies that reflecting the original's attributes or performance is intricate.

not simple to simulate

Highlights the complexity of creating a model that behaves similarly.

hard to rival

Focuses on the difficulty in competing with or surpassing the subject.

unlikely to be copied

Specifies a low probability of someone successfully imitating the original.

inimitable

Implies the subject is so unique that it defies replication.

FAQs

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

Use "hard to emulate" to describe qualities, skills, or achievements that are difficult for others to replicate. For instance, "Her leadership style is "hard to emulate" because it combines vision with genuine empathy."

What are some alternatives to "hard to emulate"?

You can use alternatives like "difficult to imitate", "challenging to replicate", or "tough to reproduce depending on the specific context. These phrases convey a similar meaning but may be more appropriate depending on the nuance you want to express.

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

Both "difficult to emulate" and "hard to emulate" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on personal preference and the desired tone of your writing.

When is it appropriate to use "hard to emulate"?

It is appropriate to use "hard to emulate" when describing something that requires a high degree of skill, talent, or a unique set of circumstances that make it challenging for others to replicate. Avoid using it for simple or easily achievable tasks.