a tough one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tough one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a difficult situation, question, or decision that requires careful consideration or effort to resolve. Example: "Choosing between two job offers is a tough one, as both have their advantages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

'That's a tough one.

The Guardian

Harry's a tough one.

The New York Times - Books

Here's a tough one.

The New Yorker

"It was a tough one to take".

The New York Times - Sports

Dear Sourpuss: That is a tough one!

The New Yorker

Hmm, that's a tough one.

The Guardian - Sport

This was a tough one to learn.

Stanford University

Snooker is a tough one.

The Guardian - Sport

Time for a tough one.

The Washington Post

Liberty was a tough one.

The New York Times

It is a tough one.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tough one" when you want to acknowledge the difficulty of a situation or decision without sounding overly negative. It's a balanced way to express complexity or challenge.

Common error

While versatile, "a tough one" can sound too informal in highly professional or academic settings. Consider using more specific and formal alternatives like "complex challenge" or "difficult issue" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tough one" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object to describe something challenging or difficult. It summarizes a situation, decision, or problem, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

19%

Sport

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a tough one" is a common and versatile way to describe something challenging or difficult. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news, sports, and casual conversation. While acceptable in many contexts, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives in highly professional or academic settings. It can be replaced by phrases such as "a difficult situation" or "a challenging problem" depending on the nuance you want to convey. When using "a tough one", acknowledge difficulty with a touch of empathy, and be aware of your audience to choose the right level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult situation

Focuses more on the state of affairs rather than a specific task or decision.

a challenging problem

Emphasizes the problem aspect, implying a need for a solution.

a tricky situation

Highlights the subtlety and potential for hidden complications.

a demanding task

Focuses on the effort required to complete a specific action.

a complex issue

Draws attention to the multifaceted nature and underlying factors.

a formidable challenge

Emphasizes the scale and intimidating nature of the difficulty.

a knotty problem

Implies intricacy and difficulty in untangling the problem.

a tall order

Suggests a request or expectation that is hard to fulfill.

an uphill battle

Implies a prolonged struggle against significant obstacles.

a hard nut to crack

Highlights the resistance to resolution, an informal expression.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tough one" to describe a difficult choice, situation, or question. For example, "Deciding which offer to accept is "a tough one".".

What can I say instead of "a tough one"?

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

Is "a tough one" too informal for business writing?

While acceptable in many business contexts, it's best to assess the formality of your writing. If you're concerned about being too casual, consider using stronger alternatives like "complex issue".

What makes something "a tough one" as opposed to just "tough"?

Using "a tough one" often implies there's a specific instance or decision being referenced, rather than a general state of difficulty. It personalizes the challenge, making it immediate and relatable.