a tough practice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tough practice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenging or demanding training session, often in the context of sports or skill development. Example: "After a long week of training, we faced a tough practice that tested our endurance and teamwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The Rangers will probably have a tough practice Wednesday.

The New York Times - Sports

This is a tough practice to enjoin, because human beings happen to be obsessed with real-time data.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

EXTRA POINTS Coach AL GROH said that a tough Friday practice had confirmed the wisdom of his brutal summer workouts.

The New York Times - Sports

And despite today's tough practice, Newman said: "You're not going to have those things in 24 hours.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was the first tough practice that I kind of struggled through and I'm in great shape," Gill said.

The New York Times - Sports

It is unclear why the decision and the Justice Department's announcement came on the same day, but together they appear to reflect agreement with some of the widespread criticism of the tough practice of compelling companies to waive rights and turn against employees.

The New York Times

It has demonstrated in tough practice that it is possible to make accurate, unbiased statistical prognoses of the factual project cost or other important key figures.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

This may be the worst mistake you can possibly make while you are going through the tough practice.

WikiHow

"It's been a tough couple practices," he said.

Los Angeles Times

Staff writer Lacey Rose finds out what a day in the life of a Seattle Seahawks Sea Gals cheerleader is like from tough practices to game day.

Forbes

"He built C.A. from scratch through some very tough practices," Mr. Goodstadt said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "a tough practice", be specific about what makes it challenging. Mention the duration, intensity, or particular skills being tested to give your reader a clearer picture.

Common error

While "a tough practice" is acceptable, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "rigorous training" or "demanding drill" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tough practice" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "tough" modifies the noun "practice". As noted by Ludwig AI, it describes a challenging training session. The phrase acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, specifying the nature of the practice.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a tough practice" is grammatically correct and functions as a noun phrase describing a demanding training session. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is commonly used across diverse contexts, including news, science and sports, with a neutral register. To enhance your writing, be specific about the challenges involved in the "tough practice" and avoid overuse by incorporating alternatives like "rigorous training session" or "demanding drill". By following these guidelines, you can use the phrase effectively while maintaining clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hard workout

Simple and direct synonym for a difficult practice.

a rigorous training session

Emphasizes the thoroughness and intensity of the training.

a demanding drill

Highlights the challenging nature of a specific exercise.

an arduous workout

Focuses on the strenuous physical effort involved.

an intense exercise

Stresses the high level of activity and focus required.

a challenging routine

Indicates a difficult series of actions or tasks.

a difficult rehearsal

Specifies the context of the demanding activity to be in the performing arts.

a grueling session

Highlights the exhausting and punishing aspect of the practice.

a testing exercise

Focuses on the evaluation or challenge aspect of the activity.

a strenuous activity

Emphasizes the physical exertion required.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tough practice" to describe a demanding training session, such as: "The team endured "a tough practice" in preparation for the championship game".

What are some alternatives to "a tough practice"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a rigorous training session", "a demanding drill", or "a grueling session".

Is it appropriate to use "a tough practice" in formal writing?

Yes, "a tough practice" is generally appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing sports, training, or skill development. However, consider using more precise language depending on your audience and the specific context.

What makes "a tough practice" different from a regular practice?

The word "tough" implies that the practice is more challenging, demanding, or strenuous than a typical session. It suggests that the participants are being pushed to their limits or are facing significant obstacles.