be a tough issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a tough issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic or problem that is difficult to address or resolve. Example: "The decision to cut funding for the program will be a tough issue for the committee to tackle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

So it could be a tough issue for us".

The Guardian

An offer simply to suspend production at Fordow will be resisted.Nothing like a pick-me-upThe future of the Arak heavy-water reactor will also be a tough issue.

The Economist

The financing is helping the company buy some time, but the retail store closings will be a tough issue for the company to overcome.

Forbes

David Pollard: "This could be a tough issue if the personal relationship between the adviser and student was basically a good one, but the student's work did not quite measure up to the expectations of the adviser, or the adviser believed that the prospective position would be too challenging or inappropriate for the student.

Science Magazine

"That is always gonna be a tough issue for jurors," Wilkinson says.

Vice

This seems to be a tough issue even for the Supreme Court.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

And that's a tough issue.

The New York Times

It's a tough issue".

The New York Times

Frankly, it's a tough issue.

The New York Times

"It's a tough issue," Mr. Greenberg said.

The New York Times

Federalization is a tough issue to vote against.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be a tough issue", consider specifying why the issue is tough. Providing context enhances clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "be a tough issue" as a vague statement. Always provide specifics about the challenges or complexities involved to give the phrase more weight and meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a tough issue" functions as a predicative expression, attributing the quality of being tough or challenging to a particular issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is indeed usable in written English, serving to introduce a subject that requires careful consideration.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be a tough issue" is a commonly used phrase for identifying a challenging or complex problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news, science, and business contexts. To maximize clarity, provide specifics about the challenges involved. Consider alternatives like "present a significant challenge" or "pose a difficult problem" for nuanced expression. Remember to avoid vagueness and supply specific details to give the phrase more impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pose a difficult problem

Highlights the problematic aspect of the issue requiring a solution.

present a significant challenge

Emphasizes the challenging nature of the issue rather than simply stating it's tough.

be a complex matter

Focuses on the intricate and multifaceted nature of the issue.

prove to be problematic

Indicates that the issue has the potential to cause difficulties.

represent a considerable hurdle

Focuses on the obstacle aspect of the issue.

be a knotty issue

Highlights the difficulty of untangling or resolving the problem.

be a thorny question

Implies the issue is sensitive and could cause disagreement.

involve a delicate situation

Emphasizes the need for careful handling due to potential sensitivity.

entail a complicated scenario

Highlights the complexity and interconnectedness of the circumstances involved.

be a demanding situation

Highlights that the situation will need a lot of efforts to be overcome.

FAQs

How can I use "be a tough issue" in a sentence?

You can use "be a tough issue" to describe a challenging or complex problem. For example: "The decision to downsize will "be a tough issue" for management.".

What are some alternatives to saying "be a tough issue"?

Alternatives include phrases like "present a significant challenge", "pose a difficult problem", or "be a complex matter", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "be a tough issue" or "be a difficult issue"?

Both "be a tough issue" and "be a difficult issue" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context. "Tough" might imply a greater degree of resilience required, while "difficult" simply suggests a challenge.

What makes "be a tough issue" different from "be a serious issue"?

"Be a tough issue" emphasizes the difficulty in dealing with a problem. "Be a serious issue" highlights the potential negative consequences or importance of the problem. While related, they focus on different aspects: manageability versus impact.