a tough performance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tough performance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenging or demanding performance, whether in sports, arts, or any other context where performance is evaluated. Example: "Despite the pressure, she delivered a tough performance that impressed the judges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Essie Davis is Vermeer's highly strung, perpetually pregnant wife Catharina; Judy Parfitt is his formidable clay-pipe-smoking mother-in-law Maria Thins, and Joanna Scanlan gives a tough performance as Tanneke, the raw-boned serving woman who is the nearest thing Griet has to a friend.

The Guardian - Film

The round course is a serious test after today's rain. 1 Colour Vision 6-1 2 OPollon Poll 5-1 3 SaddleRockock 9-2 Frankie Dettori and Godolphin have had a tough week to this point but they can celebrate Gold Cup victory after a tough performance by Colour Vision.

The Guardian - Sport

Doers and doings in business, entertainment and technology: Viacom chairman and chief executive Sumner Redstone put on a tough performance during testimony on the second day of a trial in which Viacom and its majority-owned Blockbuster business are accused of plotting with major movie studios to kill off the smaller video stores.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

More than 40,000 civil servants who are deemed to be performing poorly will be at risk of losing their jobs under a tougher performance management regime being introduced by the government.

The Guardian

"There were some real good shots and intent on how we wanted to defend and to keep a good attacking side like Hull KR to nil at half time showed a very tough performance.

BBC

The festival also offered a number of tough performance pieces and a weekend of installation and performance works organized around the theme of betting.

The New York Times - Arts

"It was a good hard, tough performance from us.

BBC

The University of the West of England, which rose from 8th to third position, puts that down to a new strategy with tough performance indicators.

Independent

Ms. West added that British Airways would like to have regulation of BAA's London airports be strengthened by the airport owner's being treated like a utility, subject to tough performance criteria and sanctions if it failed to meet them.

The New York Times

Each sport will be subject to "tough performance management" through a "payment for results" approach that will see Sport England rewarding success and penalising failure.

BBC

It made most of Ms Bartz's share options subject to tough performance triggers and negotiated a relatively stingy termination agreement.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing performances, use "a tough performance" to emphasize the difficulty, resilience, and high level of effort involved, especially when the odds are against the performer.

Common error

While "tough" effectively conveys difficulty, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing where more precise terms like "demanding" or "challenging" may better suit the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tough performance" functions primarily as a descriptive term, where the adjective "tough" modifies the noun "performance". Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Film

16%

Sport

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tough performance" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe an act or endeavor that is particularly challenging and demands considerable effort. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for use in written English. While its register is generally neutral and frequently found in News & Media, more formal settings may benefit from using alternatives like "demanding" or "challenging". The analysis highlights the importance of considering the context and desired nuance when choosing the most appropriate language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a demanding performance

This alternative directly replaces "tough" with "demanding", emphasizing the high effort required.

a challenging performance

Substituting "tough" with "challenging" highlights the difficulty and complexity of the performance.

a grueling performance

Replacing "tough" with "grueling" stresses the exhausting and arduous nature of the performance.

a rigorous performance

Using "rigorous" instead of "tough" emphasizes the strict and demanding standards met by the performance.

a formidable performance

Swapping "tough" for "formidable" suggests the performance was impressive due to its difficulty and skill.

a resilient performance

This highlights the ability to overcome difficulties during the performance.

a spirited performance

This alternative emphasizes the energy and enthusiasm demonstrated despite the challenges.

a gutsy performance

Replaces "tough" with "gutsy", focusing on the courage and determination displayed during the performance.

a determined performance

This emphasizes the unwavering focus and resolve shown throughout the performance.

a strenuous performance

Replacing "tough" with "strenuous" draws attention to the physical or mental exertion involved.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tough performance" to describe a situation where someone demonstrated strength or resilience in the face of adversity. For instance, "Despite the injuries, the athlete delivered a tough performance that secured the win."

What are some synonyms for "a tough performance"?

Alternatives to "a tough performance" include "a demanding performance", "a challenging performance", or "a grueling performance", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a tough performance" or "a difficult performance"?

Both "a tough performance" and "a difficult performance" are acceptable, but "a tough performance" often implies resilience and strength in the face of difficulty, whereas "a difficult performance" simply denotes the presence of challenges.

What's the difference between "a tough performance" and "a strong performance"?

"A tough performance" emphasizes the difficulties faced and overcome, while "a strong performance" highlights the overall effectiveness and impact, regardless of the challenges encountered.