extraordinarily tough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extraordinarily tough" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is extremely difficult or challenging, whether it's a task, situation, or person. Example: "The exam was extraordinarily tough, leaving many students feeling overwhelmed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

The competition is extraordinarily tough.

The New York Times - Sports

He was audacious, physically brave, extraordinarily tough.

The Economist

New York can be extraordinarily tough, she said.

The New York Times

And it's an extraordinarily tough act to follow.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"He has also won a reputation as being an extraordinarily tough negotiator while doing it".

The New York Times

There are extraordinarily tough times ahead for the gulf and the region's residents.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

But he was amazed by that, knowing the extraordinarily hard and tough decisions" in the budget.

The New York Times

Mordden does note that while Fast Eddie "has a slight fifties ring", the character "makes a decisive break with the extraordinarily feeling tough guys of the 'rebel' era ... [b]ut he does end up seeking out his emotions" and telling Bert that he is a loser because he's dead inside.

Wikipedia

This is extraordinarily hard.

The New York Times

"They are absolutely, extraordinarily bad".

The New York Times

He's a tough competitor, extraordinarily smart, and who knows where he'll end up?" Spitzer still does not consider himself any kind of politician.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "exceptionally challenging" or "incredibly difficult" to add variety to your writing while maintaining the intended meaning.

Common error

While "extraordinarily tough" is generally acceptable, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "really hard" or "super difficult" to better suit the tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extraordinarily tough" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, describing it as being exceptionally difficult or challenging. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English, providing numerous examples of its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "extraordinarily tough" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed adjective phrase used to describe something as exceptionally difficult or challenging. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and usable in written English and commonly appears in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. While "extraordinarily tough" is appropriate for various registers, it is particularly well-suited for professional and academic writing. Consider alternatives like "exceptionally challenging" or "incredibly difficult" to enhance your writing, but avoid overusing it in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely challenging

Replaces "tough" with "challenging" and maintains the high degree of difficulty through "extremely".

incredibly difficult

Substitutes "extraordinarily" with "incredibly" and "tough" with "difficult", emphasizing the high degree of challenge.

exceptionally demanding

Changes "extraordinarily tough" to "exceptionally demanding" indicating a high level of requirements and effort.

remarkably arduous

Replaces "tough" with "arduous" and "extraordinarily" with "remarkably", suggesting a task that requires significant exertion and persistence.

uncommonly rigorous

Uses "uncommonly rigorous" instead of "extraordinarily tough" suggesting a severe and strict degree of difficulty.

unusually severe

Suggests intensity and potential harshness instead of straightforward difficulty.

particularly gruelling

Implies a painful or exhausting aspect to the difficulty.

especially formidable

Focuses on the intimidating and challenging nature of the situation.

singularly taxing

Emphasizes the draining or burdensome effect.

unprecedentedly testing

Highlights the unparalleled nature of the challenge.

FAQs

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

You can use "extraordinarily tough" to describe situations, tasks, or people that are exceptionally difficult or challenging. For instance, "The competition was "extraordinarily tough" this year."

What are some alternatives to "extraordinarily tough"?

Alternatives include "exceptionally challenging", "incredibly difficult", or "remarkably arduous". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "extraordinarily tough" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "extraordinarily tough" can sound somewhat formal in casual settings. Simpler phrases like "really hard" or "super difficult" may be more appropriate for informal conversations.

What makes "extraordinarily tough" different from "very tough"?

"Extraordinarily tough" implies a significantly higher degree of difficulty than "very tough". It suggests that something is not just difficult, but exceptionally so.