hard-fought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard-fought" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a victory or achievement that required significant effort, struggle, or determination to attain. Example: "The team celebrated their hard-fought victory after months of rigorous training and competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Some hard-fought wisdom.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was hard-fought for 120 minutes.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a hard-fought game.

The New York Times - Sports

This will be a hard-fought game.

The New York Times

Another exhausting, hard-fought draw.

The Guardian

Let's go!" with each hard-fought winner.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

It has been too hard-fought-for.

The Guardian

But few as hard fought-for as this one.

BBC

"It was just hard fought".

The New York Times

"Progress is hard fought.

The Guardian - Sport

This is a hard fought privilege.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hard-fought", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific effort or struggle led to the described outcome. This provides clarity and emphasizes the significance of the achievement.

Common error

Avoid using "hard-fought" in contexts where the achievement was easily attained or lacked significant challenge. This dilutes the impact of the phrase and can mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "hard-fought" is as a compound adjective, modifying nouns to describe something achieved after considerable effort and struggle. Ludwig confirms its standard usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hard-fought" is a grammatically correct and frequently used compound adjective that describes something achieved after significant effort. Ludwig AI confirms this. Its primary function is to emphasize the intensity and difficulty of the endeavor. Commonly found in news and media, it is suitable for various contexts. Related phrases include "strenuous" and "competitive". When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the effort involved. Avoid using it when the achievement was easily attained. It is important to use the phrase in contexts where the level of effort applied matches the outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close-fought

This alternative emphasizes the closely contested nature of the endeavor.

strenuous

This word emphasizes the demanding and taxing nature of the effort involved.

arduous

This term highlights the difficulty and laboriousness of the task.

laborious

This word focuses on the extensive work and effort required.

challenging

This emphasizes the demanding nature of the situation, requiring effort and skill.

tough

This term describes the resilience of the subject.

difficult

This term is a general descriptor of the challenge involved.

intense

This term highlights the high degree of effort and focus.

fierce

This word is a general descriptor of the resilience of the subject.

competitive

Highlights the rivalry.

FAQs

How can I use "hard-fought" in a sentence?

You can use "hard-fought" to describe battles, campaigns, victories, or any achievement that required significant effort. For example, "It was a "hard-fought battle"", or "This was a "hard-fought campaign"".

What are some alternatives to "hard-fought"?

Alternatives include "strenuous", "arduous", or "competitive", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "hard-fought" grammatically correct?

Yes, "hard-fought" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in standard English. It is a compound adjective, formed by combining "hard" and "fought" with a hyphen.

What's the difference between "hard-fought" and "well-fought"?

"Hard-fought" emphasizes the difficulty and effort involved, while "well-fought" focuses on the skill and strategy displayed. A "hard-fought battle" might be messy and grueling, whereas a "well-fought battle" suggests tactical prowess.