a tough point

USAGE SUMMARY

'a tough point' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is difficult to understand, or a subject that you are struggling with. For example, "Biology has always been a tough point for me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It's a tough point for me to come here and jump again and again".

The New York Times - Sports

"Everything in life is timing, and our team was at a tough point, in the years after the fight," said the Pacers' owner, Herb Simon, referring to the November 2004 brawl with the Detroit Pistons in Auburn Hills, Mich., that turned Walsh's Pacers, his pride and joy and continuous playoff contender, into a veritable N.B.A. pariah.

The New York Times - Sports

Bristol Rovers manager Darrell Clarke told BBC Radio Bristol: "It was a tough point.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The catch of course is that when the market collapses, homeowners and "investors" alike lose, potentially putting Point in a tough spot.

TechCrunch

Wacey was in a tougher spot, twenty-one points out of first.

The New Yorker

Today we've got a tough three points, where a point would have probably been about right".

BBC

Today we've got a tough three points, where a point would have probably been about right". Match ends, Walsall 0, Bristol City 1. Second Half ends, Walsall 0, Bristol City 1. Attempt blocked.

BBC

I'll get into some of the key points in a moment, but first there's a tough contextual point to consider in this discussion.

The Washington Post

At 5-all, she played a tough first point, working Kuznetsova side to side before rifling the first short ball down the line for a forehand winner.

The New York Times

Leslie Moonves, the chief executive of the CBS Corporation, said of Mr. Fager and Mr. Rhodes, "In these two great news professionals, we get the best of both worlds: the quintessential insider with deep knowledge of the business and all the moving parts at CBS News, as well as a dynamic young executive with strong news management experience and a tough, fresh point of view".

The New York Times

The set is priced at $60, which is somewhat of a tough price point as it's just above the cheap, impulse-buy mark and high-end 'phones traditionally start north of $100.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tough point", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the point 'tough'. Providing specific details enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a tough point" as a vague descriptor. Replace it with more specific language that pinpoints the exact nature of the difficulty, such as "a challenging argument" or "a complex issue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tough point" functions as a noun phrase, where 'tough' modifies 'point'. It describes a specific aspect or issue that presents difficulties or challenges. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a usable phrase to describe a difficult subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tough point" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to denote a challenging or difficult aspect of a subject. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is usable and correct in written English. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of contexts, though more specific language is often preferable for enhanced clarity. Common alternatives include "a difficult aspect" or "a challenging issue". While versatile, it is important to ensure the context clearly indicates the nature of the difficulty being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult aspect

Replaces 'tough' with 'difficult' and 'point' with 'aspect', maintaining the core meaning of a challenging element.

a challenging issue

Substitutes 'tough' with 'challenging' and 'point' with 'issue', focusing on the problematic nature.

a problematic area

Replaces 'tough' with 'problematic' and 'point' with 'area', highlighting the troublesome nature of the subject.

a demanding element

Changes 'tough' to 'demanding' and 'point' to 'element', emphasizing the rigorous nature of the thing being considered.

a complex situation

Replaces the original words highlighting the intricate and complicated nature of the problem.

a knotty problem

Uses 'knotty' to convey the difficulty, and 'problem' instead of 'point'.

a thorny question

Emphasizes the troublesome and sensitive nature using 'thorny' and replaces 'point' with 'question'.

a delicate matter

Shifts the focus to the sensitivity and careful handling required, replacing 'tough' with 'delicate' and 'point' with 'matter'.

a sticky wicket

An idiomatic alternative that indicates a difficult or awkward situation.

a hard nut to crack

An idiomatic expression meaning a difficult problem to solve.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tough point" to refer to a difficult aspect or issue. For example, "Understanding quantum physics is "a tough point" for many students".

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

You can use alternatives like "a difficult aspect", "a challenging issue", or "a problematic area" depending on the context.

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

Both "a tough point" and "a difficult point" are acceptable. "Tough" might imply more resilience is needed, while "difficult" focuses on the complexity.

What makes "a tough point" different from "a simple point"?

"A tough point" suggests a challenge or obstacle in understanding or execution, while "a simple point" indicates something that is easy to grasp or achieve.