a tough role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tough role" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenging position or part, often in the context of acting, work, or responsibilities. Example: "Taking on the lead in this production is a tough role, but I believe I can handle it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

And that's a tough role".

The New Yorker

"And when he plays, Rushid has a tough role.

The New York Times

Charlie Gordon is a tough role for any actor.

The New York Times

Though she is an experienced film actor, she said it was proving a tough role.

The New York Times

There's Laura Benanti, of "Into the Woods," a rising star in a tough role: Cinderella.

The New York Times

"It is a tough role at 10 – whoever we put there was going to be under pressure," Deans said.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

(See 11.45am) We could have achieved more by playing a tougher role.

The Guardian

"We could have achieved more by playing a tougher role," Meyer says.

The Guardian

Dale Hensley has a tougher role as the lunatic psychologist, overplaying the character's tics and spasms.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, their private lives, subjected to relentless exposure, may well be a tougher role to sustain than any that they play onscreen.

The New Yorker

British officials say they are now convinced that the growing internal Islamist terrorist threat inside the country has caused the intelligence service, the ISI, to take a tougher role in combating the Taliban and al-Qaida inside Pakistan.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character in a play or movie, use "a tough role" to convey the emotional or physical demands placed on the actor. For instance, "Hamlet is often considered "a tough role" for any actor."

Common error

Avoid overusing "tough" when more specific adjectives could provide a clearer picture of the role's challenges. Instead of just saying "a tough role", consider specifying if it's emotionally demanding, physically taxing, or intellectually challenging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tough role" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "tough" modifies the noun "role". It describes the characteristic of a role that presents significant challenges or difficulties. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its use across various domains, from acting to leadership.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a tough role" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a demanding task, position, or character portrayal. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is used across various contexts, particularly in news and media when discussing challenging roles in acting or leadership. While “tough” generally implies a mix of emotional, physical, and mental strain, specifying the type of challenge can enhance clarity. Consider alternatives like "a challenging task" or "a difficult position" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. When you find yourself thinking about "a tough role", you can use this linguistic analysis to explore all its possibilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging task

Replaces "role" with the more general term "task" and "tough" with "challenging", indicating difficulty.

a difficult position

Substitutes "role" with "position" which emphasizes responsibility and replaces "tough" with "difficult".

a demanding job

Replaces "role" with "job", which denotes a specific set of responsibilities, while "demanding" signifies the high level of effort required.

an arduous undertaking

"Arduous undertaking" suggests a more prolonged and strenuous effort compared to "a tough role".

a burdensome responsibility

This phrase emphasizes the weight and potential stress associated with the task.

a formidable challenge

Highlights the intimidating nature of the task.

a tricky assignment

Implies that the task requires careful navigation and problem-solving.

a precarious situation

Focuses on the instability or risk involved.

a complex undertaking

Highlights the many layers and interwoven elements of said role.

a strenuous endeavor

Stresses the amount of energy and effort required.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tough role" to describe a challenging task, position, or character portrayal. For example, "Being a caregiver is often "a tough role"", or "The actor found the part to be "a tough role"".

What are some alternatives to "a tough role"?

Alternatives include "a challenging task", "a difficult position", or "a demanding job", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a tough role to fill"?

Yes, "a tough role to fill" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase, indicating that a particular position or task is difficult to find a suitable person for. For instance, "Finding a replacement for the CEO will be "a tough role to fill"".

What makes "a tough role" different from "a difficult role"?

While similar, "a tough role" often implies a combination of challenges, including emotional, physical, or mental strain, while "a difficult role" may simply refer to something that requires skill and effort. However, they are largely interchangeable.