a very tough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very tough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is extremely difficult or challenging. Example: "The exam was a very tough experience for all the students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's a very tough market".

The Economist

It's a very tough environment.

The New Yorker

"It's a very tough game.

The New York Times - Sports

You have a very tough job.

The New York Times

He worked in a very tough environment".

The New Yorker

"It could be a very tough decade".

The New York Times

So, it was a very tough year".

The New York Times

He will be a very tough player".

The New York Times

They have had a very tough life".

The New York Times

He is a very tough individual.

The New York Times - Sports

"That was a very tough decision.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a very tough", consider the audience and context. While widely accepted, ensure it aligns with the formality required. In highly formal settings, consider alternatives such as "exceptionally demanding" or "remarkably resilient".

Common error

While "a very tough" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal documents where more sophisticated language is expected. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "extremely challenging" or "considerably demanding" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very tough" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe its difficulty or resilience. As noted by Ludwig, this phrase is considered grammatically correct. Examples include "a very tough game" or "a very tough environment".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Sport

22%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very tough" is a grammatically sound and widely used adjectival phrase to describe situations, people, or objects that are difficult or challenging. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, writers should consider the formality of the setting and may opt for synonyms like "extremely challenging" or "exceptionally demanding" in more formal writing. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Sport and Academia contexts, indicating its broad applicability. Remember to use it appropriately to emphasize the intensity of a challenge or hardship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely challenging

Focuses on the level of difficulty involved.

incredibly difficult

Highlights the high degree of hardship.

exceptionally demanding

Emphasizes the high requirements and effort needed.

remarkably resilient

Shifts the focus to the ability to withstand hardship.

formidably strong

Implies strength and resistance to pressure.

particularly arduous

Indicates a task or situation that is laborious and tiring.

seriously taxing

Highlights the depleting effect on resources or energy.

really trying

Suggests a situation that tests one's patience and endurance.

quite rigorous

Indicates a strict and demanding process or standard.

intensely competitive

Focuses on the high level of competition and difficulty in succeeding.

FAQs

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

You can use "a very tough" to describe a challenging situation, person, or object. For example, "The exam was "a very tough" test of our knowledge", or "He is "a very tough" competitor".

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

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "extremely challenging", "incredibly difficult", or "exceptionally demanding" /s/to convey a similar meaning.

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

While generally acceptable, "a very tough" might be considered informal in certain formal contexts. Consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "considerably demanding" or "remarkably resilient" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "a very tough" and "a difficult"?

"A very tough" emphasizes a higher degree of difficulty than simply "a difficult". "Very tough" suggests something requires significant effort and resilience, whereas "difficult" is a more general term for something not easy.