a rough business

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rough business" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or industry that is difficult, challenging, or harsh in nature. Example: "Starting a new restaurant can be a rough business, with long hours and unpredictable income."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"But it's a rough business.

The New York Times - Sports

Politics is a rough business.

The Guardian - Opinion

We've been in a rough business.

The Guardian

CABLE television is a rough business in India.

The Economist

Recommending restaurants for these people is a rough business.

The New York Times

Telecommunications in Kosovo can be a rough business.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Despite a little rough business with an effigy on a cross, this awkward tableau doesn't seem all that blasphemous, particularly in view of artists like Andres Serrano, who have helped drain words like subversive of meaning.

The New York Times

It's not that women can't cut it in the rough and tough business world.

TechCrunch

"He's in a very rough business, the intelligence business, and a lot of people in that business do a very good job of going after the enemy," Mr. King said.

The New York Times

"It's a rough, rough business; it's not growing in the physical world," Mr. Risher said.

The New York Times

"It's gotten to be a very rough business, and cabinet secretaries that we nominate have to be able to go through that process and come out the other side without giving your opponents ammunition to use against you".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a rough business", consider the audience and the specific context to ensure the level of formality is appropriate. In formal settings, you might opt for alternatives like "challenging endeavor" for a more polished tone.

Common error

Avoid using "a rough business" in highly formal documents such as academic papers or official reports. Instead, choose more sophisticated alternatives like "a complex undertaking" or "a demanding field" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rough business" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement or an appositive, describing the inherent nature or characteristics of a particular industry, situation, or endeavor. Ludwig shows this in examples like "Politics is a rough business" and "Telecommunications in Kosovo can be a rough business."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rough business" is a noun phrase used to describe a challenging or difficult industry, situation, or endeavor. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While suitable for general communication, its tone might be too informal for academic or highly professional contexts, where alternatives like "a complex undertaking" or "a demanding field" may be more appropriate. Predominantly used in News & Media sources, the phrase effectively conveys the hardships and potential pitfalls associated with the subject at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tough proposition

Focuses on the demanding nature and the potential for failure.

a difficult endeavor

Highlights the problems and obstacles involved.

a challenging undertaking

Emphasizes the difficulty and the need for effort and skill.

a demanding occupation

Focuses on the high requirements and expectations of a job or profession.

an arduous task

Stresses the laboriousness and prolonged effort required.

a harsh reality

Emphasizes the unpleasant and unforgiving nature of a situation.

a grueling affair

Suggests a physically and mentally exhausting experience.

a trying ordeal

Highlights the stressful and emotionally taxing aspects.

a competitive market

Highlights intense competition and the need for strategic advantage.

a cutthroat industry

Focuses on ruthless competition and unethical practices.

FAQs

How can I use "a rough business" in a sentence?

You can use "a rough business" to describe an industry, situation, or endeavor that is difficult or challenging. For example: "The restaurant industry is "a rough business" with long hours and unpredictable income."

What are some alternatives to "a rough business"?

Some alternatives to "a rough business" include "a challenging endeavor", "a difficult undertaking", or "a tough proposition" depending on the specific context.

Is "a rough business" appropriate for formal writing?

While "a rough business" is widely understood, it might be considered too informal for certain academic or professional contexts. In such cases, consider using "a complex undertaking" or "a demanding field" for a more polished tone.

What makes a business "rough"?

A business can be considered "rough" due to various factors, such as intense competition, high risks, demanding work conditions, unpredictable market fluctuations, or ethical challenges.