hard wearing

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "hard wearing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something (usually an object or material) as being able to endure a lot of use and wear. Example sentence: These military grade boots are made from hard wearing leather, so they'll last a long time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

I know it's hard wearing a shirt and tie".

The New York Times

Stellar Stick Blender, £32, amazon This benefits from variable speeds, an effective turbo mode for that extra power burst and super sharp, hard wearing blades.

Independent

This means that, although the primary material is paper, the result is very hard wearing and practical to wear as a piece of jewellery.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is a very strong, stiff and hard wearing fabric (Razzaque 2004).

Fashion and Textiles

It would be hard wearing both those hats at the same time".

Huffington Post

Rubies and sapphires are hard wearing but emeralds are more delicate.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"But it's not as hard-wearing.

The New York Times

The use of very refined detail proved very durable, hard-wearing, easy to clean.

Independent

"I thought that we needed to try and get those plastic bags replaced by real hard-wearing balls.

The Guardian

The exposed, black steel frame gives a pared-back aesthetic and the seat pads are comfier than they look: plump but firm and super hard-wearing.

Independent

The fact that it is biodegradable does not make the fabric any less hard-wearing, says one of the founders, Daniel Freitag.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing materials or products, use "hard wearing" to emphasize their ability to withstand frequent use and maintain their quality over time.

Common error

Avoid using "hard wearing" when describing something that is emotionally or mentally taxing; it's best reserved for physical durability. Using "demanding" or "taxing" are better alternatives for non-physical contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard wearing" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective or adjectival phrase. It is used to qualify a noun by indicating its ability to withstand wear, tear, or damage through prolonged use. As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes an object's endurance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

25%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hard wearing" is a grammatically correct and functional adjectival phrase used to describe the durability and longevity of physical objects or materials. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it is a common term used to indicate the ability of something to withstand wear and tear. Although "hard wearing" is primarily found in News & Media, Wiki, and Scientific contexts, its usage spans various registers, maintaining a generally neutral tone. When writing, reserve the phrase for describing physical items, and consider alternatives like "durable" or "long-lasting" to enrich your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard-wearing

Replicates the hyphenated form of the original phrase. (Same meaning, different writing style)

durable

Focuses on the ability to last for a long time, highlighting longevity.

long-lasting

Emphasizes the extended lifespan of the item.

tough

Highlights the ability to withstand rough treatment or conditions.

sturdy

Indicates a robust and well-built quality.

resilient

Focuses on the ability to recover from wear and tear.

robust

Highlights strength and ability to endure difficult conditions.

heavy-duty

Implies a high level of durability, suitable for demanding use.

well-built

Focuses on the quality of construction and its contribution to durability.

resistant to wear

More explicitly describes the resistance to damage from use.

FAQs

How can I use "hard wearing" in a sentence?

You can use "hard wearing" to describe items that are durable and can withstand a lot of use, such as: "These boots are made from a "hard wearing" material, perfect for hiking."

What are some alternatives to saying "hard wearing"?

Some alternatives include "durable", "long-lasting", or "tough", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "hard wearing" the same as "hard-wearing"?

Yes, "hard wearing" and "hard-wearing" are essentially the same. The hyphenated version is also correct.

Can "hard wearing" be used to describe abstract concepts, or only physical objects?

"Hard wearing" is typically used to describe physical objects or materials that are resistant to wear and tear. For abstract concepts, it's better to use words like "resilient" or "robust".