far tougher

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "far tougher" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is significantly more difficult or challenging than something else. Example: "The new project is far tougher than we initially anticipated, requiring more resources and time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Next up is far tougher competition.

The New York Times - Sports

Her sentence could have been far tougher.

The New York Times

That makes any predictive effort far tougher.

The Economist

They will be far tougher.

The Guardian

In the general election, Romney faces a far tougher sell.

The New York Times

We hope he is far tougher in private.

The New York Times

Touring is tough, but far tougher when relationships are stressed.

The Guardian - Music

Now he needs to make a far tougher decision.

The Guardian

But he has also rallied from far tougher situations.

The New York Times - Sports

It promises to be a far tougher ordeal.

The Guardian

It's 30% lighter than steel, it's far tougher than aluminum and doesn't rust.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "far tougher", ensure the context clearly establishes a comparison. This emphasizes the degree of difficulty relative to something already mentioned or understood.

Common error

Avoid using "far tougher" when a simpler adjective like "tougher" or "more difficult" suffices. Overusing intensifiers can dilute their impact, so reserve "far tougher" for situations where the increased difficulty is truly significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far tougher" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun by indicating a significantly higher degree of difficulty or challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a grammatically sound and commonly used intensifier.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "far tougher" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to emphasize a significantly greater level of difficulty or challenge, as Ludwig AI confirms. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its purpose is to highlight a substantial difference in intensity. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where the increased difficulty is truly significant to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives like "much more challenging" or "significantly harder" can be used for variety, each offering a slightly different nuance. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively use "far tougher" to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

much more challenging

Replaces "tougher" with a synonym and adds emphasis with "much more".

significantly harder

Uses "harder" instead of "tougher", implying increased difficulty.

considerably more difficult

Emphasizes the increased difficulty to a considerable degree.

substantially more demanding

Highlights the increased demands or requirements.

markedly more rigorous

Focuses on the increased strictness or thoroughness.

noticeably more strenuous

Emphasizes the increased effort or exertion required.

considerably more taxing

Highlights the draining or burdensome aspect.

infinitely more arduous

Stresses the extreme difficulty or laboriousness.

appreciably more formidable

Points to the increased fear or respect inspired by the difficulty.

distinctly more exacting

Focuses on the higher standards or precision required.

FAQs

How can I use "far tougher" in a sentence?

You can use "far tougher" to emphasize that something is considerably more challenging than something else. For example: "The second exam was "far tougher" than the first".

What can I say instead of "far tougher"?

You can use alternatives like "much more challenging", "significantly harder", or "considerably more difficult" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "far tougher"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Far" is used as an adverb to intensify the adjective "tougher", indicating a greater degree of difficulty.

What's the difference between "tougher" and "far tougher"?

"Tougher" indicates a comparative level of difficulty, while ""far tougher"" emphasizes a significantly greater level of difficulty. The addition of "far" amplifies the intensity of the comparison.