a tough sequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tough sequence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a series of events, tasks, or challenges that are difficult to navigate or complete. Example: "The marathon included a tough sequence of steep hills that tested the runners' endurance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"I thought we were running on empty, it's been such a tough sequence of games".

The Guardian - Sport

The Impact have enjoyed a week's rest before Drogba's anticipated debut, a welcome respite after a tough sequence of matches.

The Guardian - Sport

We have had a tough sequence of games but we have to look forward.

BBC

As we were shooting, clouds came to cover the sun, a truck door wouldn't open - but everything came together at the end". Co-producer Fred Berger admits it was a tough sequence.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

We once encountered a tough work in sequencing a phage genome with a size of approximately 90 kb.

BMC Genomics

However, the downstream analysis of short reads datasets after sequencing is a tough task; one of the biggest challenges for the analysis of high throughput sequencing reads is the whole genome assembly.

Plosone

One of the film's clever casting tricks puts Kurt Russell, who makes a tough, substantial Stephen, in the opening sequence as his and Brian's own doomed father.

The New York Times

This early sequence can be a tough read; much as I tried to concentrate on the considerable beauties of the prose, I have rarely encountered a more self-pitying or unhappy queer narrator.

The Guardian - Books

Instead of the usual extravagantly comic pre-credit sequence, there's a tough black-and-white opening that cuts between Bond murdering two men, one in Prague, the other in London, which purport to be his first killings.

The Guardian - Film

Be that as it may, the review was clearly a major link in a Rube Goldberg sequence that ultimately put "Pluto" in a tough spot.

The New York Times

In one sequence, Dayne carried on three successive downs, picking up the first down off left tackle on a tough third-and-2 play.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tough sequence", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes the sequence. Providing specific examples will enhance clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a tough sequence" without specifying what makes it tough. Vague descriptions can dilute the impact and leave the reader without a clear understanding of the difficulty involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tough sequence" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, where "tough" modifies "sequence". The phrase describes a series or order of events that present significant difficulty or hardship. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Academia

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tough sequence" is a descriptive noun phrase used to characterize a series of events or tasks as particularly difficult or demanding. While grammatically correct and usable in written English as per Ludwig AI, it's relatively rare, primarily appearing in News & Media and Scientific contexts. For more formal settings, consider alternatives such as "a challenging series" or "a difficult progression". Remember to provide specific context to enhance clarity and avoid overgeneralization when using the phrase. Understanding these nuances can help you effectively communicate the level of difficulty involved in any given situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging series

Replaces "tough" with "challenging" focusing on the demanding nature, and "sequence" with "series" emphasizing the ordered set.

a difficult progression

Substitutes "tough" with "difficult" to highlight the arduous aspect and "sequence" with "progression" focusing on the step-by-step nature.

an arduous chain of events

Replaces "tough" with "arduous" which emphasizes the effort required, and "sequence" with "chain of events" to depict a series of occurrences.

a demanding set of tasks

Uses "demanding" instead of "tough" to highlight the requirements and "set of tasks" to focus on specific jobs to be done.

a rigorous succession

Substitutes "tough" with "rigorous" which points out the strictness and "sequence" with "succession" indicating consecutive order.

a trying string of episodes

Employs "trying" instead of "tough" to emphasize the stressful nature, and "string of episodes" to describe occurrences in a connected series.

a grueling course of action

Replaces "tough" with "grueling", underscoring the exhausting nature, and "sequence" with "course of action", to depict a strategic path.

a testing line of circumstances

Uses "testing" instead of "tough" to highlight the challenging aspect, and "line of circumstances" to describe events linked together.

a problematic series of steps

Substitutes "tough" with "problematic", emphasizing the troublesome nature, and "sequence" with "series of steps", stressing a set of actions.

an exacting order of things

Replaces "tough" with "exacting", which indicates the demanding nature, and "sequence" with "order of things", focusing on a structured arrangement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tough sequence" to describe a series of challenging events, tasks, or matches. For example, "The team faced "a tough sequence" of away games".

What are some alternatives to using "a tough sequence"?

Alternatives include "a challenging series", "a difficult progression", or "an arduous chain of events", depending on the specific context.

Is "a tough sequence" formal or informal?

"A tough sequence" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives may exist, such as "a rigorous succession".

What makes "a tough sequence" different from "a challenging series"?

While both phrases convey difficulty, ""a tough sequence"" emphasizes resilience and endurance, whereas ""a challenging series"" highlights the intellectual or strategic demands involved.