hard to repeat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard to repeat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is difficult to say or do again, often due to its complexity or uniqueness. Example: "The performance was so captivating that it felt hard to repeat the same level of emotion in future shows."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

That record will be hard to repeat.

The Economist

It's very hard to repeat that.

The Guardian - Film

It's hard to repeat it, to share the experience.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Alas, the process of economic development is hard to repeat.

The New York Times

In fact, it's hard to repeat what she does say.

The Guardian

But such an alliance seems hard to repeat.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

What's more the big ticket savings the Tories pushed in this parliament have either been done and can't be done again - e.g. raising the age of retirement - or will be hard to repeat- such as public sector pay restraint and increasing benefits less than the rate of inflation.

BBC

The trick is harder to repeat today.

The Economist

Yet, the capital trick will be harder to repeat.

The New York Times

It will be harder to repeat that trick this time.

The Economist

This will be harder to repeat if the private sector begins to see pay growth, reckons Mr Emmerson.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hard to repeat", consider the specific aspect that makes it difficult to replicate. Be it a unique set of circumstances, a high degree of skill, or sheer luck, specifying this aspect adds clarity and depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "hard to repeat" as a vague descriptor. Instead of simply stating that something is "hard to repeat", explain the specific factors contributing to the difficulty. This makes your statement more informative and credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard to repeat" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying an implied or stated noun. It describes the difficulty or unlikelihood of replicating a previous action, event, or state. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hard to repeat" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to convey the difficulty or unlikelihood of replicating a previous event or achievement. According to Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for various contexts, including news, business, and general conversation. When employing this phrase, consider specifying what makes the event difficult to replicate for better clarity. While alternatives like "difficult to replicate" and "challenging to reproduce" exist, "hard to repeat" remains a common and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to replicate

Emphasizes the difficulty in making an exact copy or achieving the same result.

challenging to reproduce

Highlights the demanding nature of recreating something to a satisfactory level.

tough to duplicate

Stresses the resilience required to achieve the same outcome.

not easily replicated

Focuses on the lack of ease in copying or imitating.

unlikely to recur

Suggests a low probability of the event or situation happening again.

cannot be reproduced

Indicates an impossibility of recreating something.

unrepeatable

Highlights the unique, one-time nature of the event or action.

singular occurrence

Emphasizes the uniqueness and infrequency of the event.

one-off event

Stresses the non-recurring nature of the event.

hard to emulate

Highlights the difficulty in imitating or surpassing something.

FAQs

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

You can use "hard to repeat" to describe an achievement, an experience, or a situation that is unlikely to occur again with the same outcome. For example, "The team's record-breaking performance will be "hard to repeat" next season."

What are some alternatives to "hard to repeat"?

Alternatives include "difficult to replicate", "challenging to reproduce", or "unlikely to recur", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

Both "hard to repeat" and "difficult to repeat" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations, as they are largely interchangeable.

What makes something "hard to repeat"?

An event or achievement may be "hard to repeat" due to a combination of factors, such as unique circumstances, exceptional skill, or unpredictable elements that are unlikely to align in the same way again.