a tough test for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tough test for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a challenging situation or evaluation that someone or something must face. Example: "The final exam was a tough test for all the students, pushing them to their limits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

A tough test for Stosur.

The New York Times

This is a tough test for Twombly's reputation.

The Guardian - Arts

Carolina (7-1) A tough test for South Carolina's big running game.

The New York Times - Sports

Birmingham City represented a tough test for the league's runaway leaders, probably their toughest yet.

The Guardian - Sport

Chara's size, reach and agility have been a tough test for Kessel.

The New York Times

Starting this week, obviously, it's going to be a tough test for us.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Analysts said a bond auction set for Aug. 2 would be a tougher test for Madrid.

The New York Times

MARDY FISH 11 a.m., Louis Armstrong Stadium A tougher test for Fish than it seems on paper.

The New York Times

* Kevin Anderson vs. Mardy Fish: A tougher test for Fish than it seems on paper.

The New York Times

Many believe that this will be a tougher test for banks with large international businesses - HSBC and Standard Chartered - than the UK domestic test of last year.

BBC

And it will probably be a tougher test for Obama's harder line.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tough test for", ensure the subject facing the test is clearly defined. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a tough test for" in very informal settings where simpler phrases like "difficult challenge" or "hard time" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

"A tough test for" functions as a prepositional phrase describing the nature of an upcoming challenge or evaluation. It typically modifies a noun, indicating that the challenge will be difficult to overcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a tough test for" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a challenging situation or evaluation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across diverse contexts, from news and sports to general writing, albeit less frequently in highly formal academic or scientific domains. While considered suitable for various registers, opting for simpler alternatives might be more appropriate in very informal settings. When writing, ensure to define clearly the subject that will undergo the mentioned challenging situation or test to avoid ambiguities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stern challenge for

Replaces "tough" with "stern" and "test" with "challenge", emphasizing the serious nature of the situation.

a challenging ordeal for

Replaces "test" with "ordeal", suggesting a more difficult and unpleasant experience.

a severe trial for

Replaces "tough" with "severe", indicating a very harsh or difficult experience.

a rigorous trial for

Replaces "tough" with "rigorous" and "test" with "trial", indicating a thorough and demanding assessment.

a difficult examination for

Substitutes "test" with "examination", focusing on a formal assessment.

a major examination for

Replaces "tough" with "major" emphasizing the importance of the "examination".

a considerable hurdle for

Replaces "tough test" with "considerable hurdle", focusing on overcoming an obstacle.

a formidable task for

Replaces "test" with "task", shifting the focus to the work required.

a significant evaluation for

Replaces "test" with "evaluation" and "tough" with "significant", giving a more formal and neutral tone.

a demanding situation for

Replaces "tough test" with "demanding situation", broadening the context beyond formal evaluations.

FAQs

What does "a tough test for" mean?

The phrase "a tough test for" indicates a challenging situation or evaluation that presents significant difficulty for someone or something.

How can I use "a tough test for" in a sentence?

You might say, "The new regulations will be "a tough test for" small businesses" or "The final exam was "a tough test for" the students."

What are some alternatives to "a tough test for"?

You can use alternatives like "a challenging ordeal for", "a difficult examination for", or "a rigorous trial for" depending on the specific context.

Is "a tough test for" formal or informal?

"A tough test for" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though in very informal settings, simpler phrases might be preferred.