a tough request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tough request" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means a difficult or challenging request. Example: "The boss made a tough request for us to finish the project by tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Additional applicants would visit Fairchild for an in-person interview–a tough request since many applicants live out of state and, if hired, would make only $8.53 an hour.

Forbes

Finding out if your home cable box is an open resolver, for instance, requires you to call your cable company and tell them that you do not want to be running an open resolver — a tough request when most of the world's population does not even know what an open resolver is.

The New York Times - Tech

It's a tough request to stay ahead of.

Huffington Post

"Please forget everything you've seen". This is a tough request.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

If you think you are taking on a tough load, request a prep period if your school allows it.

WikiHow

The repeated references to "ambitious targets" make me think you're quite likely to be facing some tough requests, so this is a role probably best suited to the sort of person who would say, "climbing Everest isn't that hard really.

The Guardian

Negotiating partners are still waiting to see whether the United States will compromise on the tough requests it has made over the past eight months of negotiations.

The New York Times

The Department for Education (DfE) said schools were expected to take a "tough line" on requests to miss lessons.

BBC

A DfE spokeswoman said schools were expected to take a "tough line" on requests to miss lessons, as a few days off could leave youngsters struggling to catch up.

BBC

He also correctly acknowledged how serious it is if that firm delayed putting out a tough report at the request of a hedge fund.

The New York Times

But although NSF takes advice from the science board seriously, the prescribed boost is far from a fait accompli: Congress must approve any increase, and early indications are that NSF's overall budget request could face a tough time this year.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tough request", ensure the context clearly explains why the request is considered difficult. Providing specific details about the challenges involved enhances clarity and strengthens your message.

Common error

Avoid using "a tough request" as a generic phrase. Instead, specify the exact reasons making the request difficult, such as resource constraints, time limitations, or skill requirements. This makes your communication more precise and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tough request" functions as a noun phrase, where "tough" is an adjective modifying the noun "request". Ludwig AI confirms this, demonstrating its use in describing the nature of a request, indicating that it is difficult or challenging.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tough request" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a demand that is difficult to fulfill. Ludwig AI affirms its valid usage in written English. With a 'Rare' frequency, it appears in diverse contexts, primarily 'News & Media' and 'Academia'. The phrase's function is to convey the challenging nature of the request, setting appropriate expectations. For clarity, it's best to provide specific reasons making the request difficult. Related phrases include "a challenging request" and "a difficult request", each offering subtle variations in emphasis. Overall, "a tough request" is a versatile phrase for expressing the demanding nature of a task.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging request

Replaces "tough" with "challenging", emphasizing the difficulty involved.

a difficult request

Substitutes "tough" with "difficult", focusing on the complexity of the request.

a demanding request

Uses "demanding" to highlight the effort required to fulfill the request.

a tall order

Employs an idiomatic expression to suggest the request is substantial and hard to meet.

a herculean task

Uses a metaphor to emphasize the immense difficulty of the request.

an onerous request

Replaces "tough" with "onerous", stressing the burdensome nature of the request.

a formidable request

Substitutes "tough" with "formidable", highlighting the imposing nature of the request.

a taxing request

Uses "taxing" to emphasize the draining effect of the request.

a weighty request

Replaces "tough" with "weighty", stressing the importance of the request.

a big ask

Uses a colloquial term to underscore the significant challenge posed by the request.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tough request" to describe a situation where someone is asking for something that is difficult to achieve or provide. For example, "Finishing the project by tomorrow is "a tough request" given our limited resources".

What are some alternatives to "a tough request"?

Alternatives include "a challenging request", "a difficult request", or "a demanding request". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Both "a tough request" and "a difficult request" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often comes down to personal preference or the specific tone you want to set. "Tough" might imply resilience needed, while "difficult" stresses complexity.

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

"A tough request" implies that fulfilling the request will require significant effort, resources, or skill, whereas "a simple request" suggests it is easy and straightforward to fulfill.