a tough decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tough decision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a choice that is difficult to make due to various factors or consequences involved. Example: "Choosing between two job offers was a tough decision for her, as both had their own advantages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a tough decision.

The New Yorker

"It was a tough decision.

The New York Times - Arts

"It wasn't a tough decision".

The New York Times - Sports

Winner: A tough decision.

The Guardian - Film

"That's a tough decision," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a tough decision, he said.

The New York Times

"It's a tough decision," Bike said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a tough decision," Brendan says.

The New Yorker

They face a tough decision.

The Guardian

That was a tough decision.

The Guardian - Sport

Was it a tough decision?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tough decision", ensure the context clearly explains why the decision is difficult. Provide details about the factors, consequences, or conflicting options involved to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a tough decision" as a standalone statement without providing context. Instead, elaborate on the specific challenges and considerations that make the decision difficult to understand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tough decision" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of making a choice that is difficult or challenging, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples where individuals or organizations face a choice that requires careful consideration. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a tough decision" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a challenging choice. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals its frequent use in news and media, conveying the complexity and difficulty of making certain decisions. When using this phrase, provide sufficient context to clarify the reasons behind the difficulty. Consider alternatives like ""a difficult choice"" or ""a challenging decision"" to add nuance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is both correct and readily applicable in a wide array of writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult choice

Replaces "decision" with "choice", emphasizing the act of selecting between options.

a hard decision

Substitutes "tough" with "hard", maintaining the sense of difficulty.

a challenging decision

Replaces "tough" with "challenging", highlighting the demanding nature of the decision.

a weighty decision

Uses "weighty" instead of "tough", implying the decision has significant consequences.

a critical decision

Emphasizes the importance and potential impact of the decision.

a demanding decision

Similar to "challenging decision", focusing on the effort required.

a complex decision

Highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of the decision.

a problematic choice

Conveys that the decision involves dealing with problems.

an unenviable decision

Suggests that the decision is undesirable and likely to have negative outcomes.

a perplexing dilemma

Uses "dilemma" to emphasize a situation with equally undesirable options and "perplexing" to show that is causing confusion

FAQs

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

You can use "a tough decision" to describe a choice that is difficult to make. For example, "Choosing between the two job offers was "a tough decision" because both had excellent benefits".

What are some alternatives to "a tough decision"?

Alternatives include "a difficult choice", "a hard decision", or "a challenging decision", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a tough decision" or "a difficult decision"?

Both "a tough decision" and "a difficult decision" are correct and largely interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference, though "tough" might imply a more emotional or resilience-testing aspect.

What makes "a tough decision" different from "a simple choice"?

"A tough decision" implies significant difficulty, consequences, or conflicting factors, whereas "a simple choice" suggests ease and straightforwardness. The former involves considerable deliberation, unlike a simple selection.