a tough path

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tough path" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a difficult or challenging journey, whether literal or metaphorical. Example: "Choosing to pursue a career in the arts can be a tough path, filled with uncertainty and competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

It is a tough path they are about to tread.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a tough path, but it's so rewarding.

The Guardian - Books

A Tough Path Atlanta produces rappers the way other cities make cars or movies or software.

The New York Times - Sports

Merkel replies that Greece is on a tough path, but one that will pay off.

The Guardian - Business

"He understood it, he molded it, he made it a tough path to citizenship … he was all for it".

The Guardian

Perhaps most critical, it dealt with the 12 million illegal immigrants already here, through a tough path to earned citizenship.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

This is a tougher path".

The New York Times - Magazine

The Lakers may have a tougher path to the finals, starting with their second-round meeting with the Houston Rockets.

The New York Times

He does not think athletes get a free ride; he says they walk a tougher path than the conventional student because of the responsibility they shoulder.

The New York Times

They will still progress from the group but this draw means they will tread a tougher path in the knockout stages.

The Guardian - Sport

Advocates say they are pushing for a strong bipartisan vote in the Senate — some have predicted as many as 70 yes votes — to help propel the bill through the House, where it is expected to face a tougher path.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tough path", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a literal route or a metaphorical journey filled with challenges. For clarity, provide specific examples of the difficulties involved.

Common error

While "a tough path" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a difficult journey" or "a challenging road" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tough path" functions as a noun phrase, where "tough" modifies the noun "path". It typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence, describing a challenging or difficult course. Ludwig provides examples of its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a tough path" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that describes a difficult or challenging journey, both literally and metaphorically. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and business settings. While versatile, it's beneficial to consider related phrases like "a difficult road" or "a challenging journey" to prevent repetition and enrich your writing. Understanding its usage patterns and potential alternatives enhances clarity and impact when conveying the idea of facing obstacles and hardships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult road

Replaces 'tough' with 'difficult' and 'path' with 'road', maintaining the core meaning of a challenging route.

a challenging journey

Substitutes 'path' with 'journey', emphasizing the process and experience of navigating difficulties.

an arduous route

Replaces 'tough' with 'arduous', suggesting a more strenuous and laborious course.

a demanding course

Emphasizes the rigorous and exacting nature of the path, replacing 'tough' with 'demanding'.

a trying ordeal

Shifts the focus to the stressful and testing nature of the experience, using 'ordeal' instead of 'path'.

a rigorous undertaking

Highlights the demanding and thorough nature of the endeavor, changing 'path' to 'undertaking'.

a formidable task

Focuses on the intimidating and challenging aspect of the task at hand, instead of the journey itself.

a complicated process

Highlights the complexity and intricacy of the steps involved, using 'process' to represent the path.

a steep climb

Metaphorically suggests a difficult ascent or progress, replacing 'path' with 'climb' to imply upward struggle.

a thorny issue

Emphasizes the problematic and troublesome nature of the situation, moving away from the direct metaphor of a path.

FAQs

What does "a tough path" mean?

The phrase "a tough path" refers to a difficult or challenging route, journey, or course of action. It implies that the subject will encounter obstacles and hardships.

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

You can use "a tough path" to describe a difficult situation or decision. For example, "Starting a new business can be "a tough path", but it can also be rewarding."

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

You can use alternatives like "a difficult road", "a challenging journey", or "an arduous route" depending on the context.

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

Both "a tough path" and "a difficult path" are correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to convey. "Tough" might imply resilience, whereas "difficult" focuses on the inherent challenge.