hard to hate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard to hate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is generally likable or endearing, making it difficult to harbor negative feelings towards them. Example: "Despite his flaws, he's just so charming and funny that he's hard to hate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's hard to hate".

The New York Times

"It'd be very hard to hate him".

The New York Times - Sports

It's very hard to hate him!

The Guardian - Sport

Sober, diligent, nice people are hard to hate.

The Economist

It's hard to hate the guy when he plays brilliantly".

The New York Times - Sports

"But for the same reasons, he's hard to hate".

The New York Times

It's hard to hate someone you never met.

The New York Times - Sports

It's very hard to hate without inspiring hate in others.

Harvard Business Review

"He's my father, and it's hard to hate your father".

The New York Times - Books

Faithless, No Roots (Cheeky/BMG) It's hard to hate Faithless.

The Guardian - Music

"It's hard to hate somebody that you're praying with," Coburn says.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hard to hate" to describe someone or something with generally positive qualities that make it difficult to dislike them, even if they have flaws. It implies a sense of endearment or likability that overrides negative feelings.

Common error

Avoid using "hard to hate" sarcastically or ironically when the subject is genuinely deserving of dislike. This can create confusion and undermine your intended message. Ensure the subject has redeeming qualities that genuinely make it difficult to harbor negative feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to hate" functions as a subjective assessment, indicating that despite potential flaws or reasons for dislike, the subject possesses qualities that make it difficult to harbor negative feelings. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hard to hate" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something or someone that is generally likable despite potential flaws. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile phrase found frequently in news and media, expressing a balanced sentiment acknowledging both positive and negative aspects. When using this phrase, be mindful of context and avoid sarcastic applications that could lead to misinterpretation. Consider alternatives like "difficult to dislike" or "not easy to resent" for different shades of meaning. Ultimately, "hard to hate" is a valuable tool for expressing nuanced opinions and highlighting the endearing qualities of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to dislike

This alternative is a more formal and direct synonym, emphasizing the challenge in disliking someone or something.

not easy to resent

This phrase focuses on the absence of resentment, suggesting that the person or thing is likeable enough to avoid negative feelings.

tough to feel animosity towards

This alternative highlights the struggle to harbor animosity, pointing to positive qualities that outweigh negative ones.

nearly impossible to despise

This phrase conveys a stronger sense of the unlikelihood of despising someone or something, emphasizing their appealing qualities.

challenging to find fault with

This alternative suggests that it's hard to criticize or find flaws in the subject, implying a high degree of satisfaction.

difficult to be critical of

This version focuses on the struggle to criticize, emphasizing the positive aspects that overshadow any potential negatives.

almost impossible to begrudge

This phrase suggests the lack of reason or justification to begrudge someone or something, highlighting fairness and deservingness.

not inclined to dislike

This emphasizes the lack of predisposition to dislike, suggesting a natural tendency towards positive feelings.

tends to be well-liked

This shifts the focus to the general positive perception of the subject by others, rather than the speaker's personal difficulty in disliking them.

inspires affection

This alternative moves beyond simply being hard to dislike, suggesting that the subject actively evokes feelings of affection.

FAQs

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

You can use "hard to hate" to describe a person, object, or situation that is generally likable despite minor flaws. For example, "Despite his arrogance, he's just so charming that he's "hard to hate"".

What's a good alternative to "hard to hate"?

Alternatives include "difficult to dislike", "not easy to resent", or "tough to feel animosity towards", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever appropriate to use "hard to hate" sarcastically?

While it's possible to use "hard to hate" sarcastically, it can easily be misinterpreted. It's generally safer to use more direct language if you want to express dislike or disapproval.

What makes someone or something "hard to hate"?

Often, it's a combination of positive qualities like charm, humor, sincerity, or talent that outweigh any negative aspects. It suggests that the person or thing has an endearing quality that makes it difficult to harbor truly negative feelings.