been tough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been tough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or experience that has been difficult or challenging over a period of time. Example: "This year has been tough for everyone, with many facing unexpected challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's been tough.

The New York Times - Sports

"But it's been tough.

The New York Times

A: That's been tough.

The New York Times

"They've been tough days".

The New York Times

It would've been tough.

Harvard University

"It's been tough," Hosmer said.

The New York Times

He said: "It's been tough.

Independent

His life had been tough.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

College is tough.

Stanford University

MM: It was tough.

Princeton University

"Life is tough, doc.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "been tough", ensure the context clearly indicates what has been difficult. Be specific about the challenges or hardships experienced to provide clarity for your audience.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something has "been tough" without providing any context or specific details. This can leave your audience wondering about the nature and extent of the difficulty. Instead, elaborate on the particular challenges or obstacles faced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been tough" functions as part of a verb phrase, typically in the present perfect tense. It describes a state or condition that started in the past and continues to have relevance or impact in the present. As Ludwig AI points out, it indicates something has been difficult or challenging over a period.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

11%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "been tough" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a period or situation that has presented difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It is primarily used in news and media, as well as academic settings, with a neutral to informal register. While versatile, it's important to provide specific details about the challenges faced to avoid vagueness. Related phrases like "been challenging" or "been difficult" can be used as alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been challenging

Replaces "tough" with "challenging", emphasizing the demanding nature of the experience.

has been difficult

Substitutes "tough" with "difficult", highlighting the problematic aspects of the situation.

has been a struggle

Uses "a struggle" to underscore the effort and resistance involved.

has been arduous

Replaces "tough" with "arduous", suggesting a strenuous and laborious period.

has been demanding

Emphasizes the high requirements and expectations involved.

has been trying

Focuses on the testing and wearing effect of the situation.

has presented challenges

Shifts the focus to the obstacles encountered.

has been a hard road

Uses a metaphorical expression to illustrate a difficult journey.

has not been easy

Employs understatement to convey the difficulty.

has tested my limits

Highlights the experience's impact on personal endurance and capability.

FAQs

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

You can use "been tough" to describe a period or situation that has been difficult or challenging. For example, "The last few months have "been tough" due to the economic downturn."

What are some alternatives to "been tough"?

Alternatives include "been challenging", "been difficult", or "been a struggle", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "been tough" or "has been tough"?

"Has been tough" is grammatically correct and more formal, while "been tough" is often used in more informal contexts. The choice depends on the desired tone and audience. In formal writing prefer "has been tough".

What's the difference between "been tough" and "was tough"?

"Been tough" implies that the difficulty extended over a period of time, reaching into the present, whereas "was tough" refers to a difficulty that occurred in the past and has likely concluded.