a tough spell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tough spell" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a difficult period or challenging situation someone is experiencing. Example: "After going through a tough spell, she finally found the strength to move forward and rebuild her life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

That would cheer Britons, who have endured a tough spell.

The Economist

"We have a tough spell now before the Europa League starts again in February.

Independent

"I think we're just going through a tough spell right now".

The New York Times - Sports

Wenger was pleased that the optimism has returned to the Emirates after a tough spell.

Independent

His beloved Newcastle are going through a tough spell – supporting them must be a little like following Pakistan cricket.

The Guardian - Sport

Most nights they're the ones who can push you through, and they're going through a tough spell".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

I went through a very tough spell there, especially last year, and I think everybody saw that.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, a recent tough spell doesn't tell the whole story of FAIRX.

Forbes

"It does show that the U.S. population, often thought of as the most mobile in the developed world, seems to have been stopped dead in its tracks due a confluence of constraints posed by a tough economic spell," said William H. Frey, a demographer with the Brookings Institution.

The New York Times

"I feel so sorry for the players because it's been a tough little spell for us with the blows we've had on the injury front and we've put in a really great performance here and ended up with nothing, it's hard to look your players in the eye and say you've carried the gameplan through and got nothing.

BBC

According to the Times, this shows that "the U.S. population, often thought of as the most mobile in the developed world, seems to have been stopped dead in its tracks due a confluence of constraints posed by a tough economic spell".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tough spell" when referring to a limited duration of difficulty or adversity, not as a permanent condition. For long-term situations, consider using "chronic hardship" or "ongoing struggle".

Common error

While acceptable in general writing, avoid using "a tough spell" in highly formal or academic papers. Instead, opt for phrases like "a period of significant challenge" or "a time of considerable adversity" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tough spell" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a period or duration characterized by difficulty or hardship, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sport

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tough spell" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a period marked by difficulties, according to Ludwig. It's most commonly found in news and sports contexts with a neutral register, even if more formal options exist. While it’s a valid expression, remember to consider the specific context and audience to ensure the most appropriate tone. For more formal settings, phrases such as "a period of adversity" or "a challenging time" might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult period

Focuses on the challenging nature of the time frame.

a challenging time

Highlights the demanding aspects of the situation.

a hard time

Emphasizes the hardship experienced.

a rough patch

Suggests a temporary period of difficulty.

a trying ordeal

Highlights the testing and often painful nature of the experience.

a period of adversity

Emphasizes the unfavorable conditions faced.

a crisis

Implies a turning point or moment of great danger/difficulty.

a downturn

Suggests a decline or worsening of circumstances.

a setback

Highlights an obstacle or delay in progress.

a tribulation

Emphasizes the suffering and distress experienced.

FAQs

What does "a tough spell" mean?

The phrase "a tough spell" refers to a period of difficulty, hardship, or adversity. It suggests a temporary situation that is challenging to endure.

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

You can use alternatives like "a difficult period", "a challenging time", or "a rough patch" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a tough spell"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and a common expression in English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its use.

How formal is the phrase "a tough spell"?

The phrase is generally considered informal to neutral in tone. While acceptable in many contexts, it may be more appropriate to use more formal alternatives such as "a period of adversity" or "a challenging phase" in academic or professional settings.