a tough ask

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tough ask" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a request or demand that is difficult to fulfill or achieve. Example: "Asking the team to complete the project in just one week is a tough ask, given the complexity of the work involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a tough ask.

The New York Times

It's a tough ask.

The Guardian

This is a tough ask.

The Guardian

It could be a tough ask.

The Guardian - Sport

In other words, it's a tough ask.

The Guardian

But sustaining the VCSE sector is a tough ask.

The Guardian

"I think we will get into the 50s but it's a tough ask.

Independent

The authorities hope the site will attract 40m people.That may be a tough ask.

The Economist

Beating Texas Tech, even in Waco, Tex., is a tough ask.

The Washington Post

This looks a tough ask. 3. Are there targets set for deportations?

The Guardian

Keeping your team's morale and spirits high is a tough ask.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tough ask" when you want to emphasize the difficulty of a request or task without being overly negative. It acknowledges the challenge while still implying the possibility of success.

Common error

While "a tough ask" is widely accepted, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "a significant challenge" or "a formidable endeavor" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tough ask" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It describes the nature of a task or request, qualifying it as difficult. Ludwig examples showcase its role in expressing the challenging aspect of various situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sport

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tough ask" is a commonly used phrase to describe a task or request that presents significant difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and sports reporting. While versatile, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in academic settings. Understanding its function and purpose can help writers effectively convey the level of challenge involved in a given situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tall order

Implies a task that is ambitious and difficult to achieve; slightly more formal.

a challenging task

More straightforward and literal, focusing on the difficulty of the task.

a difficult undertaking

Highlights the complexity and effort required.

an uphill battle

Suggests a struggle against significant obstacles.

a Herculean task

Emphasizes the immense scale and difficulty, referencing the labors of Hercules.

a monumental challenge

Highlights the importance and scale of the challenge.

a formidable endeavor

Stresses the potential obstacles and the need for careful planning.

no easy feat

Underlines that the task is not simple or straightforward.

a demanding assignment

Emphasizes the high level of effort and skill required.

a big ask

More informal and direct, simply stating that a lot is being requested.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tough ask" to describe a task or request that is difficult to accomplish. For example, "Completing the project by Friday is "a tough ask", given the limited resources".

What are some alternatives to "a tough ask"?

Alternatives include "a challenging task", "a difficult undertaking", or "a tall order" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a tough ask" in formal writing?

While acceptable, "a tough ask" may be considered less formal. In formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "a significant challenge" or "a formidable endeavor".

What does "a tough ask" imply?

"A tough ask" implies that a task or request is difficult but not necessarily impossible. It acknowledges the challenge while suggesting that it might still be achievable.