a tough mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tough mind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is mentally strong, resilient, or able to handle difficult situations effectively. Example: "In order to succeed in this competitive environment, you need to cultivate a tough mind and remain focused on your goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Discussion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Powell has a tough mind and a thin skin.

The New York Times

"Umar Mansoor had a tough mind from a very young age, he was always in fights with other boys," said another Taliban member.

Independent

REGINA SPEKTOR -- A tough mind backs up the whimsies of Regina Spektor, whose second self-released album is "Soviet Kitsch" (www.cdbaby.com).com

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"You come to practice like, 'Aw, man, we keep losing.' It's a tough mind-set to have".

The New York Times - Sports

"You have to have a tough mind-set to be able to get it done out there, and 'Quice has done a great job out there downing punts inside the 5-, the 10-yard line, getting down there and making tackles.

The New York Times - Sports

O'Hair has matured as a golfer, though, and is more polished, with a more solid swing and a tougher mind.

The New York Times - Sports

The FBI and the securities and exchange commission, the US version of the soon-to-be-reformed-again FSA, have both a tougher mind-set and the power to tap phones and use the material in court.

The Guardian

I heard Native Americans share their pain as if they somehow knew, because of a certain sorrow in his heart coupled with an active and tough mind, that my father would do everything to help.

The New York Times

Last year, Mr. Bush awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, saying she had "the tough mind of a natural-born executive, and the gentle instincts of a mother".

The New York Times

A tough geek, mind you.

Vice

A tough geek, mind you. .

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tough mind", ensure the context clearly indicates the type of resilience or mental strength being described. For example, specify whether it relates to problem-solving, emotional endurance, or competitive spirit.

Common error

Avoid using "a tough mind" in contexts where more specific attributes like creativity, empathy, or strategic thinking are more relevant. This ensures your description is accurate and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tough mind" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It serves to characterize an individual's mental state, highlighting their resilience, strength, and ability to withstand challenges. Ludwig examples support its use in describing individuals capable of overcoming adversity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

20%

General Discussion

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tough mind" is a phrase used to describe mental strength, resilience, and the ability to persevere through challenges. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for describing individuals capable of overcoming adversity. While the expression is not extremely frequent, it is primarily found in news and media contexts, and its usage effectively conveys admiration and emphasizes the importance of mental resilience. Consider alternatives like ""a resilient mindset"" or ""mental fortitude"" for varied expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a resilient mindset

Emphasizes the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

a strong mentality

Focuses on the overall strength and robustness of one's mental approach.

mental fortitude

Highlights courage and endurance in facing challenges.

an unwavering resolve

Stresses the firmness and determination of one's decisions.

a determined spirit

Highlights the enthusiastic and persistent approach to overcoming obstacles.

a robust intellect

Focuses on intellectual strength and capacity for critical thinking.

a steely determination

Implies a cold, unyielding resolve.

grit and resilience

Highlights perseverance and adaptability.

a tenacious attitude

Emphasizes persistence and unwillingness to give up.

an indomitable will

Focuses on an unyielding and unconquerable spirit.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tough mind" to describe someone's mental resilience or ability to handle difficult situations. For example: "She demonstrated "a tough mind" by overcoming numerous obstacles during the project".

What are some alternatives to "a tough mind"?

Alternatives include "a resilient mindset", "mental fortitude", or "a strong mentality", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a tough mind" or "tough mindset"?

Both are acceptable, but ""a tough mind"" focuses more on the inherent mental capacity, while "tough mindset" implies a cultivated attitude or approach.

What does it mean to have "a tough mind"?

To have ""a tough mind"" generally means possessing mental strength, resilience, and the ability to persevere through challenges and difficult circumstances.