extremely tough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extremely tough" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that requires a lot of strength, dedication, or effort. For example, "The college entrance exam was extremely tough and demanded intense preparation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Extremely tough".

The New Yorker

It'll be extremely tough".

Independent

"It's extremely tough.

The New York Times - Sports

"Extremely tough match," Federer said.

The New York Times - Sports

We're in an extremely tough division".

The New York Times

ATUL GAWANDE: It is extremely tough.

The New Yorker

"The conditions were extremely tough today.

BBC

Shaq and Kobe were extremely tough.

The New York Times - Sports

It was three extremely tough sets.

The New York Times

Times are extremely tough, after all.

The Guardian - Music

She was extremely tough with me.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation or task, use "extremely tough" to convey a significant level of difficulty that requires substantial effort or resilience. For example, "Navigating the legal system was an extremely tough challenge for the immigrants".

Common error

While "extremely tough" is appropriate in many formal and news contexts, avoid overusing it in casual conversation. Opt for alternatives like "really hard" or "super challenging" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extremely tough" functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to describe its difficulty, resilience, or demanding nature. It amplifies the intensity of the adjective "tough". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "extremely tough" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe something that requires significant strength, effort, or resilience. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It is most commonly found in News & Media, but also appears in Science and Formal & Business contexts. While appropriate in many settings, it is important to consider the specific context and audience when using this phrase, as alternatives may be more suitable for casual conversation. Related phrases include "immensely tough", "exceptionally tough", and "highly challenging", each offering slight variations in meaning. The sources highlight practical applications, with the best practice suggesting its use for situations needing substantial resilience. It is advised to avoid overusing the phrase in informal contexts. Ultimately, understanding its nuances enables effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immensely tough

Uses a different intensifier to convey a high degree of toughness.

exceptionally tough

Highlights the unusual or remarkable level of difficulty.

extremely harsh

Focuses more on the severity of conditions or treatment.

extremely stringent

Emphasizes the strictness or rigor of rules or requirements.

highly challenging

Shifts the focus to the demanding nature of the situation.

extremely demanding

Emphasizes the high requirements and expectations involved.

exceedingly rigorous

Highlights the thoroughness and precision required.

acutely challenging

Implies a sharp or intense level of difficulty.

very difficult

A more general and common synonym for describing hardship.

remarkably resilient

Focuses on the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

FAQs

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

You can use "extremely tough" to describe something that is very difficult to endure or accomplish. For example, "The training regime was "extremely rigorous"", or "The economic situation is "extremely challenging"".

What are some alternatives to "extremely tough"?

Some alternatives to "extremely tough" include "very difficult", "highly demanding", or "incredibly challenging". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "extremely tough" or "very tough"?

"Extremely tough" and "very tough" are both acceptable, but "extremely tough" suggests a higher degree of difficulty or resilience. The choice depends on the intensity you wish to convey.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "extremely tough"?

It's appropriate to use "extremely tough" in situations where you want to emphasize that something requires significant strength, effort, or endurance. It works well in both formal and informal contexts, but consider alternatives for casual conversation.