a tough call

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tough call" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to describe a difficult decision or choice to make. For example, "Having to choose between spending time with my friends or studying for my university exam was a tough call".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But it's a tough call.

The New York Times

This is a tough call.

The New York Times

Quite a tough call.

The Guardian

The decider makes a tough call.

The Economist

JEFFREY TOOBIN: Such a tough call.

The New Yorker

It was a tough call today.

The New York Times

"It's a tough call," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"o It's a tough call.

The Guardian - Tech

Not a tough call here.

The Guardian - Sport

Hmm, that's a tough call.

The New York Times

It is a tough call.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tough call" when acknowledging the difficulty in making a decision, especially when explaining your reasoning might not fully satisfy all parties involved.

Common error

While "a tough call" is widely understood, avoid overuse in casual conversation where simpler alternatives like "difficult" or "tricky" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tough call" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a predicate nominative or an object of a preposition. It labels a situation or decision as particularly difficult. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a common way to describe something that requires careful consideration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

21%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tough call" is a common phrase used to describe a difficult decision or situation. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, though perhaps less so for highly formal or academic writing. Its frequency is high, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing and consider alternative expressions like ""a difficult decision"" or ""a challenging choice"" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to succinctly communicate the complexity and challenge inherent in a given situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A hard decision to make

Explicitly states the difficulty in arriving at a decision.

A difficult decision

Focuses on the difficulty of the decision itself, rather than the act of calling it.

A challenging choice

Emphasizes the challenge involved in selecting from multiple options.

A problematic judgment

Highlights the potential issues or negative consequences associated with the judgment.

A complex matter

Shifts the focus to the intricate nature of the situation requiring a decision.

A weighty determination

Emphasizes the seriousness and importance of the decision.

A critical assessment

Highlights the importance of careful evaluation in the decision-making process.

A close call

Indicates that the decision could have easily gone either way.

A finely balanced issue

Suggests that the factors involved are very evenly weighted, making a decision difficult.

A delicate situation

Implies that the decision requires sensitivity and careful handling.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tough call" to describe a decision that is difficult to make. For example, "Choosing between two equally appealing job offers was "a tough call"".

What are some alternatives to saying "a tough call"?

Alternatives include "a difficult decision", "a challenging choice", or "a complex matter", depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a tough call" is generally appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing complex decisions in business or news contexts. However, be mindful of the overall tone and consider more formal alternatives if necessary.

What does it mean when someone says "it's a tough call"?

It means that the decision at hand is difficult and there isn't an obvious or easy solution. The speaker is acknowledging the complexity and the potential for different outcomes.