a tougher task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tougher task" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the difficulty of a task to another, indicating that the task in question is more challenging. Example: "Completing the project on a tight deadline proved to be a tougher task than we initially anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Mr. Bush and his team have a tougher task.

The New York Times

A tougher task will be trading outfielder Richard Hidalgo, who makes $12 million next season.

The New York Times - Sports

At the other table, Gitelman, looking at the South hand, had a tougher task.

The New York Times

Finding a way to make the N.C.A.A. tournament will be a tougher task.

The New York Times - Sports

But I suspect that socializing Americans' taste in sports may be a tougher task than socializing our healthcare system".

The New Yorker

But finding members of Al Qaeda sheltering in caves, deep defiles and well-fortified underground bunkers is a tougher task.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

They faced a tough task.

The New Yorker

It's still a tough task.

Independent

It has a tough task ahead.

Independent

But they still face a tough task.

The New York Times

This is not a tough task.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two tasks, use "a tougher task" to emphasize the increased level of difficulty the second task presents. This phrasing is suitable for contexts where direct comparison and emphasis on difficulty are desired.

Common error

While "a tougher task" is grammatically correct, avoid using it excessively in informal conversations. Alternatives like "harder" or "more challenging" may sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tougher task" functions as a noun phrase, where "tougher" acts as a comparative adjective modifying the noun "task". It identifies and describes a specific endeavor that is more challenging compared to another. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a tougher task" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a task that is more challenging than another. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely accepted and suitable for various writing contexts, especially in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific discussions. When writing, ensure the context warrants a comparative emphasis on difficulty. While versatile, overusing this phrase in informal settings might sound unnatural. Alternatives like "a more challenging task" or "a harder task" offer similar meanings and can add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a more challenging task

Replaces "tougher" with "more challenging", emphasizing the difficulty level.

a harder task

Uses "harder" as a direct synonym for "tougher", indicating increased difficulty.

a more demanding task

Substitutes "tougher" with "more demanding", highlighting the increased effort required.

a more arduous task

Replaces "tougher" with "more arduous", suggesting a task that is strenuous and difficult.

a more formidable task

Uses "formidable" to emphasize the intimidating and challenging nature of the task.

a greater challenge

Shifts the focus from "task" to "challenge", maintaining the sense of increased difficulty.

a steeper climb

Employs a metaphorical expression indicating a more difficult path or process.

a more uphill battle

Uses a metaphorical expression suggesting a more difficult and resistant struggle.

a heavier lift

Employs a metaphor suggesting the task requires significantly more effort.

a bigger undertaking

Replaces "task" with "undertaking", highlighting the scale and complexity of the endeavor.

FAQs

How can I use "a tougher task" in a sentence?

You can use "a tougher task" to compare the difficulty of two different things. For example: "Completing the project on a tight deadline proved to be "a tougher task" than we initially anticipated."

What's the difference between "a tougher task" and "a difficult task"?

"A tougher task" implies a comparative level of difficulty, suggesting something is more challenging than another. "A difficult task" simply indicates that something is not easy.

Which is the correct: "a tougher task" or "a more tough task"?

"A tougher task" is the correct phrasing. "Tougher" is already the comparative form of "tough", so adding "more" is redundant.

What can I say instead of "a tougher task"?

You can use alternatives like "a more challenging task", "a harder task", or "a more demanding task" depending on the specific context.