hard to overrule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard to overrule" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing decisions, opinions, or judgments that are difficult to reverse or challenge. Example: "The committee's decision was hard to overrule, given the overwhelming evidence presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

If Mr Carter thinks some troops should stay on, Mr Obama might find it hard to overrule him.Yet in the end, foreign cash may prove more critical than foreign troops in sustaining a fragile government against an insurgency.

The Economist

But while the board does have the power, starting in 2015, to propose specific cuts to Medicare if spending appears likely to exceed projected levels in any given year, those proposals are not binding on Congress, though the law makes it relatively hard to overrule the recommendations.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

These, the two most powerful countries of the union, are the ones the commission finds hardest to overrule.

The Economist

The White House may find it harder to overrule the man who rode to the rescue after the McChrystal blowup, particularly since he has so much support among Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill.

The New York Times

The other is a new commission with power to propose changes in Medicare that would be hard for Congress to overrule.

The New York Times

Mr Gates depicts a president willing to overrule political advisers and take hard decisions, as with his 2009 military surge in Afghanistan.

The Economist

It's hard to think of a better way to knock the congressional leaders down a peg than to overrule them in front of their Democratic counterparts.

The New Yorker

To overrule them would have been divisive.

The Economist

Our panel decided to overrule the public.

The Guardian - Books

"You don't want to overrule Grutter," she said.

The New York Times

But it is deeply unusual to overrule them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hard to overrule", ensure the subject's strength or authority justifies the difficulty in reversing its decision. This adds credibility and weight to your statement.

Common error

Avoid implying that something "hard to overrule" is impossible to change. Acknowledge potential, even if unlikely, avenues for alteration to maintain realistic and nuanced writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to overrule" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, describing the difficulty associated with reversing or changing a decision or authority. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is grammatically sound. The examples illustrate its use in various contexts, highlighting the challenge of overturning established decisions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hard to overrule" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe decisions or authorities that are challenging to reverse. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's relatively rare in occurrence. Its primary function is to emphasize the strength or entrenchment of a decision, making it suitable for neutral contexts such as news reports and discussions about legal or political matters. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject truly possesses the strength to warrant this description, and avoid overstating its immutability. Alternatives like "difficult to overturn" or "resistant to change" can provide similar nuances. Consider this explanation as a quick guide for all your writing needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to overturn

Focuses on the action of reversing a decision, highlighting the challenge involved.

challenging to counter

Emphasizes the effort required to oppose or invalidate something.

tough to invalidate

Highlights the strength and validity of something, making it hard to dismiss.

not easily reversed

Indicates that the process of reversing is not simple or straightforward.

resistant to change

Suggests an inherent quality of being unyielding or inflexible.

difficult to refute

Emphasizes the struggle in disproving or arguing against something.

hard to gainsay

Highlights the difficulty in contradicting or denying something.

impregnable to challenges

Stresses the invulnerability to any form of opposition.

firmly established

Indicates a strong foundation making it difficult to undo or change

unlikely to be repealed

Specifically refers to laws or regulations, indicating low probability of cancellation.

FAQs

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

Use "hard to overrule" to describe a decision or judgment that is difficult to reverse or challenge due to strong support or authority. For example, "The Supreme Court's decision is "difficult to overturn"."

What's a more formal way to say "hard to overrule"?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "difficult to invalidate" or "resistant to change". These options offer a more sophisticated tone while conveying a similar meaning.

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

It's appropriate when discussing decisions, opinions, or judgments that possess significant weight or authority, making them challenging to reverse or change. This is common in legal, political, and organizational contexts.

What can I say instead of "hard to overrule" to emphasize the strength of the decision?

If the goal is to emphasize the strength of the decision consider saying "impregnable to challenges" or "firmly established".