a tough argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tough argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a point of view or reasoning that is difficult to refute or counter. Example: "During the debate, she presented a tough argument that left her opponents struggling to respond."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"A tough argument, but an argument".

The New York Times

Yet that could be a tough argument to make.

The New York Times

"The tax inefficiency, the 2 and 20 fee and the lack of liquidity make it a tough argument".

The New York Times

That's a tough argument to make in this context, of course, but it's worth remembering that it's not clear in which direction the influence flows.

The Washington Post

He explained to the fans that tickets will be sold by telephone only -- a tough argument to make to fans who had camped out all night.

The New York Times - Sports

81/2 is probably the most potent movie about film-making, within which fantasy and reality mix without obfuscation, and there's a tough argument that belies his usual felicitous flaccidity.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Democrats, undeniably, have a tougher argument to make.

The New York Times

If that sets some teeth on edge, critics have a tougher argument to make since Francis says much the same thing.

The Washington Post

It might also be the case that they will come to view the challenging candidate less favorably under these circumstances since he will have a tougher argument to make and may have to resort more to negative campaigning and personal attacks.

The New York Times

That's a very tough argument to make".

The New York Times

That will be a, politically, very tough argument for the DOJ and the White House to make, I think.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tough argument", ensure the context clearly indicates why the argument is considered difficult or challenging. Provide supporting details or evidence to highlight the complexity or controversial nature of the argument.

Common error

Avoid using "a tough argument" when the point is simply unpopular but not inherently difficult to understand or support. Overusing the phrase can weaken its impact when a truly complex or challenging argument is presented.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tough argument" functions as a noun phrase, where "tough" modifies the noun "argument". It describes the quality or characteristic of an argument, indicating it is challenging or difficult to defend. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a tough argument" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a challenging or difficult point to defend. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides various examples of its usage across different contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic sources, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the nature of the difficulty and avoid overusing it to retain its impact. Related phrases, such as "a difficult case to make" or "a hard point to defend", can offer nuanced alternatives. The phrase serves to acknowledge and highlight the challenging nature of the argument being presented.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult case to make

Emphasizes the challenge in presenting the argument effectively.

a hard point to defend

Highlights the struggle in supporting or justifying the argument.

a challenging claim to prove

Focuses on the difficulty of providing evidence for the argument.

a formidable contention

Indicates the strength and potential impact of the argument.

a weighty proposition

Stresses the importance and significance of the argument.

a compelling counterargument

Focuses on a difficult opposing viewpoint that must be addressed.

an uphill battle to argue

Emphasizes the struggle and difficulty of advocating for the argument.

a problematic assertion

Highlights the potential flaws or weaknesses in the argument.

a debate needing solid proof

Points towards the need for solid, credible evidence when arguing your debate

a position that's hard to justify

Emphasizes the difficulty in defending the argument due to potential criticism or lack of support.

FAQs

How can I use "a tough argument" in a sentence?

You can use "a tough argument" to describe a point of view that is difficult to defend or counter. For example, "Presenting the budget cuts was "a tough argument" to make to the staff."

What can I say instead of "a tough argument"?

You can use alternatives like "a difficult case to make", "a hard point to defend", or "a challenging claim to prove" depending on the context.

Is "a tough argument" formal or informal?

"A tough argument" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, as it is widely understood and accepted. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.

Which is correct, "a tough argument" or "a difficult argument"?

Both "a tough argument" and "a difficult argument" are correct and convey similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to emphasize. "Tough" may suggest more resilience required to sustain the argument, while "difficult" might highlight the complexity of understanding it.