getting tougher

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'getting tougher' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is becoming increasingly difficult to do or achieve. For example: "The competition for college admissions is getting tougher every year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But we're getting tougher.

The New York Times - Books

And it's getting tougher.

The New Yorker

The rhetoric is getting tougher.

The Economist

It might be getting tougher.

The New York Times

Now they are getting tougher.

The New York Times

The stance is getting tougher.

The Guardian - Money

"The games are getting tougher.

The New York Times - Sports

For the going is getting tougher.

The Economist

"It's a tough climate, it's getting tougher.

The New Yorker

Is the Gambling Commission getting tougher?

The Guardian - Business

In theory, the government is getting tougher.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "getting tougher", consider specifying what is becoming more difficult. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "Life is getting tougher", specify "Finding a job is getting tougher".

Common error

While "getting tougher" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting tougher" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a subject by describing its state of becoming more difficult or stringent. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. For example, "The competition is getting tougher."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "getting tougher" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe situations or processes that are becoming more difficult, stricter, or more demanding. Ludwig confirms it is grammatically correct and widely accepted, appearing frequently in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives in highly academic or professional settings. Key to effective use is providing context on what exactly is "getting tougher" to ensure clarity. Considering alternatives like "becoming more challenging" or "intensifying" can also enhance the precision of your writing. In general, "getting tougher" is a reliable choice for conveying the idea of increasing difficulty or stringency in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming more challenging

Focuses on the increasing difficulty aspect of the situation.

becoming stricter

Emphasizes a rise in rules, regulations, or enforcement.

intensifying

Highlights the increasing intensity or strength of something.

becoming more rigorous

Indicates a rise in the thoroughness or demanding nature of something.

escalating

Suggests a gradual increase in severity or intensity.

on the rise

Simple way to describe how something has been increasing over time.

waxing

Using the waxing metaphorically to depict how something has grown over time.

progressively harder

Using the adverb progressively to show an increasing level of difficulty over time.

gradually tightening

Emphasizing the gradual aspect of becoming more restrictive.

increasingly demanding

Highlights the growing requirements or expectations.

FAQs

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

You can use "getting tougher" to describe situations becoming more difficult. For example, "The competition in the job market is getting tougher" or "Regulations are getting tougher".

What are some alternatives to "getting tougher"?

You can use alternatives like "becoming more challenging", "becoming stricter", or "increasingly demanding", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "getting tougher" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "becoming more rigorous" or "intensifying" in academic or professional contexts to maintain a sophisticated tone.

How does "getting tougher" differ from "getting harder"?

"Getting tougher" often implies a broader sense of increasing difficulty, including stricter rules or more intense competition, while "getting harder" might focus more specifically on the level of effort required. They can often be used interchangeably, but context matters.