a tough competitor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tough competitor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is difficult to beat or overcome in a competitive context, such as sports, business, or any competitive field. Example: "In the upcoming tournament, we know that our main rival is a tough competitor, and we will need to prepare thoroughly to face them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"He's a tough competitor.

The New York Times - Sports

She's a tough competitor.

The New York Times - Sports

He's intelligent, a tough competitor.

The New York Times - Sports

Jimmy's a racer and a tough competitor.

The New York Times - Sports

Bavuma said: "[Stokes] is a tough competitor.

The Guardian - Sport

He's a tough competitor, and he came to fight.

The New York Times - Sports

Nijel is a tough competitor and he was very good".

The Guardian - Sport

"We're going to be a tough competitor," he told me.

The New York Times - Magazine

"He's a tough competitor to get on top of.

The Guardian - Sport

You can't win the Masters and not be a tough competitor".

Independent

"I learned today the president is both a tough competitor and a good sport," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tough competitor" to describe entities that consistently present a significant challenge, whether in sports, business, or personal contexts. This phrase effectively conveys respect for their abilities and the difficulty of overcoming them.

Common error

Avoid using "a tough competitor" to describe situations where the competition is clearly one-sided or lacks genuine challenge. The phrase loses its impact when applied to trivially easy contests.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tough competitor" functions as a descriptive phrase, specifically an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to characterize an entity, whether a person, team, or organization, as being challenging and difficult to overcome in a competitive situation, as Ludwig AI also highlights.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tough competitor" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase for describing someone or something challenging in a competitive context. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's particularly common in news and media, conveying respect and recognition of an opponent's strength. While versatile, it's best used when the competition is genuine and meaningful, avoiding overuse in trivial situations. Alternatives like ""a formidable opponent"" or ""a strong contender"" can add nuance depending on the specific context. Remember to consider the register and avoid oversimplifying its usage for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a formidable opponent

Highlights the strength and difficulty in opposing the competitor.

a strong contender

Emphasizes the competitor's ability to potentially win or succeed.

a challenging rival

Focuses on the difficulty and stimulation the competitor provides.

a difficult adversary

Highlights the struggle and hardship in competing against them.

a skilled antagonist

Emphasizes the competitor's expertise and opposition.

a worthy opponent

Highlights the competitor's respectability and value in the competition.

a resilient adversary

Focuses on the competitor's ability to recover and persist.

a persistent rival

Emphasizes the competitor's continuous and unwavering effort.

a determined contender

Highlights the competitor's firm resolve and ambition.

a fierce antagonist

Emphasizes the competitor's aggressive and intense nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tough competitor" to describe someone or something that is difficult to beat in a competition. For example, "Our main rival in the tournament is "a tough competitor", so we need to prepare well".

What are some alternatives to "a tough competitor"?

Alternatives to "a tough competitor" include "a formidable opponent", "a strong contender", or "a challenging rival". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "tough competitor" or "difficult competitor"?

"Tough competitor" is generally preferred over "difficult competitor". "Tough" implies resilience and strength, making it a more impactful descriptor in competitive scenarios, whereas "difficult" can be vague.

Can I use "a tough competitor" to describe a company?

Yes, "a tough competitor" can be used to describe a company that poses a significant challenge to others in the industry. For example, "In the tech market, company X is "a tough competitor" because of its innovative products".