a tough program

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tough program" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenging course of study, training, or software that requires significant effort or skill to navigate. Example: "Completing a tough program like this one will require dedication and hard work from all students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"It's a tough program, and we don't do the order of events," Troy said.

The New York Times

"It's one thing to say you have a tough program," Selig said.

The New York Times - Sports

"They have a tough program, but there hasn't been too much complaining about it.

The New York Times - Sports

"I don't deny at all that we ran a tough program, especially back then," Royal told Texas Monthly in 1982.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're trying to find a routine for him to recondition his arm without killing him for today's game, and that's a tough program," Hough said.

The New York Times - Sports

In his statement to parents last month, Ken Kay, the Wwasps' president, wrote, "We run a tight ship and a tough program where inappropriate attitudes and choices are confronted and redirected and the living conditions are not as nice as the homes the parents had so kindly provided the teen before the teen sabotaged it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

At a fund-raiser on Friday in Pennsylvania, hardly the most conservative state, Vice President Dick Cheney vigorously defended the use of waterboarding and other harsh interrogation techniques, referring to them as "a tougher program for a very few tougher customers".

The New York Times

But in March, in another attempt to tame inflation, stabilize the currency and open its markets, the Argentine Government announced a new, tough program.

The New York Times

In his book Emotions: Mystery Or Madness, psychologist and psychiatrist Robert John McAllister highly recommended Help at Any Cost, and called it "an excellent and informative book on the subject of the 'troubled-teen industry' ", and "important reading for any parent who is considering sending a teenager to a tough love program, a boot camp, or a wilderness program".

Wikipedia

Only then will the country back a government that can pursue the tough program needed to turn it around.

The New York Times

A tough austerity program leaves the government little scope for initiative.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using this phrase. While generally acceptable, in some contexts, more specific language might be preferable to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a tough program" as a catch-all term. Be specific about what makes the program tough—is it the workload, the complexity, or the time commitment? Providing details enhances clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tough program" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "tough" modifies the noun "program." It describes a program characterized by its demanding nature or difficulty. Ludwig examples showcase its use in diverse fields from sports training to academic curricula.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tough program" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a demanding or challenging undertaking. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability, presenting various examples from diverse sources like The New York Times and Science Magazine. While its frequency is relatively uncommon, it serves as a versatile descriptor across different contexts. For greater precision, consider alternatives like "challenging" or "rigorous" to more accurately reflect the specific nature of the program's demands. Use this phrase when you want to immediately signal that a task calls for considerable effort and resilience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging program

Emphasizes the difficulty requiring effort and skill.

a rigorous program

Highlights the strictness and thoroughness of the program.

a demanding program

Stresses the high expectations and requirements.

an intense program

Focuses on the high level of activity and focus required.

a difficult program

Directly states the program's lack of ease.

a strenuous program

Highlights the physical or mental exertion required.

an arduous program

Emphasizes the prolonged and laborious nature of the program.

a formidable program

Suggests the program presents a significant challenge.

a gruelling program

Highlights the extreme exhaustion it causes.

a testing program

Emphasizes the program's function of assessing abilities or endurance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tough program" to describe something that requires significant effort or skill. For example, "Completing this research project will be a tough program.".

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

You can use alternatives like "a challenging program", "a rigorous program", or "a demanding program", depending on the context.

Is "a tough program" formal or informal?

"A tough program" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferable in certain professional settings.

What's the difference between "a tough program" and "a difficult program"?

While similar, "a tough program" often implies that the difficulty comes from the effort required, whereas "a difficult program" might suggest that the material itself is complex or hard to grasp.