a tough thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tough thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, task, or decision that is difficult or challenging to deal with. Example: "Deciding to move to a new city without knowing anyone is a tough thing to do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's a tough thing to do.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a tough thing to do.

Independent

"Changing a paradigm is a tough thing.

The New York Times - Science

Yes, it's a tough thing to do.

Stanford University

With her, it's been a tough thing".

The New Yorker

It's a tough thing to think about.

The Washington Post

I think it's a tough thing.

The Washington Post

This is such a tough thing for so many parents.

Cornell University

Measurement is a tough thing to get right.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"It's a tough thing," Ms. Boyle said.

The New York Times

Admitting defeat is a tough thing for this gal".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tough thing" to describe situations requiring resilience or strength, either physical or emotional. For instance, "Recovering from surgery is a tough thing, but with dedication, it's possible."

Common error

While "a tough thing" is a versatile phrase, avoid relying on it excessively. Vary your language with more specific descriptors, such as "a difficult challenge" or "a demanding situation", for greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tough thing" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or direct object in a sentence. Ludwig shows that it describes something difficult or challenging. It is used to characterize a situation, task, or experience as demanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

23%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tough thing" is a versatile phrase used to describe situations, tasks, or experiences that present significant difficulty or challenge. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse contexts, including news media and academic writing. While suitable for general use, consider substituting with more specific alternatives like "a difficult matter" or "a challenging situation" for greater clarity and impact, especially in formal settings. Be mindful of overusing this phrase and ensure that the context aligns with the intended meaning of expressing difficulty or hardship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult matter

Emphasizes the problematic or complex nature of the situation.

a challenging situation

Highlights the demanding and stimulating aspect of the circumstance.

a hard task

Focuses on the labor and effort required.

a formidable challenge

Suggests a significant obstacle or test of one's abilities.

an uphill battle

Implies a constant struggle against resistance.

a trying experience

Highlights the stressful and potentially emotionally taxing aspect.

a grueling ordeal

Emphasizes the harsh and demanding nature of the experience.

a sticky situation

Indicates a potentially awkward or embarrassing predicament.

a thorny issue

Highlights a complex and potentially controversial problem.

a daunting prospect

Focuses on the intimidating or overwhelming nature of something anticipated.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tough thing" to describe something that is difficult, challenging, or unpleasant. For example, "Dealing with loss is a tough thing to go through".

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

You can use alternatives like "a difficult matter", "a challenging situation", or "a hard task" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a tough thing" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "a tough thing" might be considered slightly informal for highly academic or professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "a difficult undertaking" or "a significant challenge".

What's the difference between "a tough thing" and "a hard thing"?

While similar, "a tough thing" often implies a need for resilience or emotional strength, whereas "a hard thing" may simply indicate difficulty. For instance, "Saying goodbye was a tough thing" emphasizes the emotional aspect, while "Solving this problem is a hard thing" focuses on the difficulty of the task.