a tough problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"a tough problem" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about a difficult or challenging issue or situation. For example: - Solving poverty is a tough problem that requires the cooperation of government and community organizations. - I couldn't figure out the answer to that math question - it was a tough problem! - Our company is facing a tough problem with declining sales, and we need to come up with a solution quickly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The bulb makers face a tough problem.

The New York Times - Tech

It's a tough problem, dealing with human predators.

Columbia University

Jet lag is a tough problem to get sympathy for.

The Washington Post

"This is a tough problem," Justice Stephen G. Breyer said.

The New York Times

It's an easy answer to a tough problem.

The Guardian

The repair of large segmental bone defects remains a tough problem disturbing surgeons and researchers.

Medical Hypotheses

It can be very difficult to stop working in the middle of a tough problem.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"It is a tough problem, but I think it's not an insoluble problem," she says.

Princeton University

MacMillan and postdoctoral researcher David Nicewicz were working on a tough problem.

Princeton University

However, how to effectively evaluate the fracture conductivity in channel fracturing is a tough problem.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

And as governments around the world have found, it is a tough problem to solve.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a tough problem", ensure the context clearly defines what makes the problem difficult or challenging to provide clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a tough problem" as a vague descriptor. Instead, specify the exact nature of the difficulty, whether it's a lack of resources, conflicting opinions, or technical complexities. Provide enough detail to justify the "tough" label.

Linguistic Context

A tough problem functions as a noun phrase, where "tough" modifies the noun "problem". It serves to identify and characterize a specific issue as being difficult or challenging. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is used correctly and effectively in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tough problem" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a challenging or difficult situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts. It's frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Academic writings, indicating its versatility. When using the phrase, ensure to provide specific details about the difficulty to avoid vagueness. Consider alternative phrases like "a difficult challenge" or "a complex issue" to add nuance to your writing. By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate the nature of a challenge and its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult challenge

Replaces "problem" with "challenge", emphasizing the demanding nature of the situation.

a complex issue

Substitutes "tough" with "complex", focusing on the intricate nature of the matter.

a thorny question

Uses a metaphorical description to highlight the prickly and sensitive aspects of the issue.

a demanding task

Replaces "problem" with "task", highlighting the effort required to address the issue.

a formidable obstacle

Emphasizes the significant barrier presented by the problem.

a tricky situation

Focuses on the delicate and potentially precarious nature of the problem.

a perplexing dilemma

Highlights the confusing and uncertain aspects of the problem.

a monumental undertaking

Implies that addressing the problem will require significant resources and effort.

a Herculean task

Similar to "monumental undertaking" but evokes a sense of legendary difficulty.

an uphill battle

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the sense of struggling against strong opposition or difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tough problem" to describe any situation or issue that is difficult to solve or handle. For example: "Finding a solution to climate change is "a tough problem"".

What are some alternatives to saying "a tough problem"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a difficult challenge", "a complex issue", or "a formidable obstacle".

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

Yes, "a tough problem" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but consider using more sophisticated vocabulary if the context warrants it. For instance, "a complex issue" or "a challenging situation" might be more suitable.

What makes a problem qualify as "tough"?

A problem can be considered "tough" if it requires significant effort, resources, or ingenuity to solve. It often involves multiple interconnected factors and lacks a straightforward solution.