a tough issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"a tough issue" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to refer to a difficult problem, for example: "The rising cost of healthcare is a tough issue for many families."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And that's a tough issue.

The New York Times

Frankly, it's a tough issue.

The New York Times

"It's a tough issue," Mr. Greenberg said.

The New York Times

"They've made real progress on a tough issue.

The New York Times

That's what makes this such a tough issue.

The New York Times

So it could be a tough issue for us".

The Guardian

"It's a tough issue," she said, sounding a tad defensive.

The New York Times - Magazine

"This is a tough issue for us," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Federalization is a tough issue to vote against.

The New York Times

Surrounding rock control is a tough issue in roadway with soft rock in deep underground.

Engineering Failure Analysis

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Having bought its way into the big leagues, Lycos now faces a tough issue how to keep more users coming to its various properties and still hold competition at bay.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive or complex subjects, using the phrase "a tough issue" can be an effective way to acknowledge the difficulty without sounding overly negative or dismissive.

Common error

While "a tough issue" is a useful phrase, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by employing synonyms like "challenge", "problem", or "dilemma" to maintain reader engagement and demonstrate a broader vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tough issue" functions as a noun phrase, where "tough" modifies the noun "issue". It serves to identify and categorize a subject as being difficult or challenging. According to Ludwig AI, this is a correct phrase in the English language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tough issue" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase that serves to denote a challenging or complex problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is appropriate across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and business domains. When using the phrase, be mindful of potential overuse and consider employing synonyms to enrich your writing. Given its widespread use and clear meaning, "a tough issue" remains a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging problem

Replaces "issue" with "problem" and "tough" with "challenging", emphasizing the difficulty.

a difficult situation

Substitutes "issue" with "situation" and "tough" with "difficult", focusing on the challenging circumstances.

a complex matter

Replaces "tough" with "complex" and "issue" with "matter", highlighting the intricacy of the problem.

a thorny question

Uses "thorny" instead of "tough", implying a problem with potential negative consequences.

a sticky situation

Replaces "tough" with "sticky", suggesting a problem that is hard to resolve.

a problematic area

Uses "problematic" in place of "tough", and "area" for "issue", focusing on an area causing problems.

a delicate subject

Replaces "tough" with "delicate", emphasizing the need for careful handling.

a contentious topic

Substitutes "tough" with "contentious" and "issue" with "topic", highlighting the controversial nature.

a sensitive matter

Replaces "tough" with "sensitive", suggesting a need for careful consideration and awareness.

an uphill battle

Uses a metaphorical expression suggesting a difficult struggle.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tough issue" to describe a challenging or complex problem. For example, "Climate change is "a tough issue" that requires global cooperation."

What are some alternatives to "a tough issue"?

Alternatives include "a challenging problem", "a difficult situation", or "a complex matter", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a tough issue" is generally appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing complex or sensitive topics. However, consider the specific audience and context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What makes something "a tough issue"?

A "tough issue" typically involves multiple perspectives, significant challenges, and potential consequences, making it difficult to resolve or address effectively.