a tough team

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tough team" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of individuals who are strong, resilient, or difficult to defeat, often in a competitive context. Example: "The championship game was intense, but our players proved they were a tough team, overcoming every challenge thrown their way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"That's a tough team.

The New York Times - Sports

But we're a tough team.

The New York Times - Sports

"This is a tough team," Ryan said.

The New York Times - Sports

"They're a tough team to beat".

The New York Times - Sports

They're going to be a tough team".

The New York Times - Sports

"They're a tough team to prepare for.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're a tough team," Okafor said.

The New York Times - Sports

We're a tough team to beat".

The New York Times - Sports

"They are a tough team," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We have a tough team in there.

The New York Times - Sports

"They've always had a tough team.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tough team" when you want to convey that a team is not easily defeated and possesses qualities like resilience, strength, and determination. It's particularly effective in sports contexts or situations where overcoming adversity is key.

Common error

Avoid using "a tough team" to describe groups in non-competitive settings where resilience or strength aren't the primary attributes you wish to highlight. For example, describing a volunteer group as "a tough team" might be misleading; consider alternatives like "dedicated team" or "hardworking group" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a tough team" is that of a noun phrase acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It describes a group characterized by resilience and strength, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples from various news sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a tough team" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a group known for its resilience and difficulty to defeat. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently used in news and media, particularly in sports contexts. While other related phrases like "a strong team" or "a resilient team" exist, "a tough team" specifically emphasizes the challenge opponents face. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with its competitive connotations, as overuse in non-competitive settings may be misleading. By being mindful of the phrase's specific meaning, writers can effectively convey the formidable nature of a given team.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult team to beat

Focuses specifically on the challenge of defeating the team.

a resilient team

Emphasizes the team's ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

a hard team to play against

Emphasizes the unpleasant experience of playing against the team.

a strong team

Focuses on the team's physical and mental strength.

a formidable team

Highlights the team's intimidating nature and ability to inspire fear.

a competitive team

Stresses the team's eagerness and ability to compete at a high level.

a determined team

Underscores the team's unwavering resolve to achieve its goals.

a tenacious team

Highlights the team's persistence and refusal to give up.

an uncompromising team

Highlights the team's rigidity and resistance to external pressure.

a battle-hardened team

Suggests the team has significant experience and is prepared for challenges.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tough team" to describe a group that is resilient and difficult to defeat, such as "Despite facing several injuries, they proved they were "a tough team" to beat."

What are some alternatives to saying "a tough team"?

Alternatives to "a tough team" include "a strong team", "a resilient team", or "a formidable team", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "a tough team" in a business context?

While "a tough team" is more commonly used in sports, it can be used in a business context to describe a group that is resilient and determined to succeed despite challenges. However, consider whether more formal terms like "a strong team" or "a high-performing team" might be more suitable.

What qualities make a team "a tough team"?

Qualities that make a team "a tough team" include resilience, determination, strong teamwork, and the ability to overcome adversity. These qualities contribute to making the team difficult to defeat.