getting tougher over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting tougher over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, challenge, or condition that becomes increasingly difficult as time progresses. Example: "The competition in the market is getting tougher over time, making it essential for us to innovate continuously."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In fact, choosing what appears is getting tougher over time since more users and publishers are joining the social network, and they're sharing more frequently.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The sodium restrictions would get tougher over time.

The New York Times

"The golf course will only get tougher over the weekend.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's tough to get into that top four and it's getting tougher all the time," he said.

BBC

Judging from recent developments, times are getting tougher.

The New York Times

Times are getting tougher for food delivery startups in India.

TechCrunch

As one chief executive put it: "There are still too many clubs over-committing in pursuit of glory or survival at a time when generating revenues is getting tougher and tougher".

BBC

Economic times are tough and getting tougher.

Huffington Post

F. Times are tough for computer scientists, and getting tougher.

Science Magazine

Things are getting tough all over.

Forbes

And while he told reporters before leaving Washington that his relationship with the American people had gotten "rockier and tougher" over time, he said in Seoul that his relations with foreign leaders had actually grown stronger since he took office.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "getting tougher over time", ensure the context clearly indicates what is becoming more difficult and why. Providing specific examples or reasons will enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

While "getting tougher over time" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it excessively in very informal settings. Consider more casual alternatives like "getting harder" or "getting trickier" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting tougher over time" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating a gradual increase in difficulty or intensity. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts ranging from news to personal reflections, illustrating its adaptability. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "getting tougher over time" effectively conveys a gradual increase in difficulty or intensity. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While versatile, it's important to consider context and choose more formal alternatives for highly formal situations. The phrase commonly appears in News & Media, making it suitable for describing trends and challenges. Remember to provide clear context to enhance clarity when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

getting harder and harder as time goes by

Adds emphasis through repetition.

growing more challenging over time

Emphasizes the aspect of challenge rather than toughness.

becoming increasingly difficult

Focuses on the increasing difficulty, omitting the time aspect.

progressively harder as time goes on

Highlights the progressive nature of the increasing difficulty.

becoming more demanding over time

Highlights the increasing demands or requirements.

getting more complicated over time

Shifts the focus to complexity rather than toughness.

becoming more arduous with time

Uses a more formal term, "arduous", to describe the increasing difficulty.

increasingly strenuous as time passes

Uses "strenuous" to describe the growing effort required.

gradually becoming more intense

Focuses on the increasing intensity of the situation.

becoming a greater struggle with time

Emphasizes the struggle aspect.

FAQs

What does "getting tougher over time" mean?

The phrase "getting tougher over time" means that something is becoming more difficult, challenging, or demanding as time progresses.

What can I say instead of "getting tougher over time"?

You can use alternatives like "becoming increasingly difficult", "growing more challenging over time", or "progressively harder as time goes on" depending on the context.

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

Here's an example: "The competition in the tech industry is getting tougher over time, requiring constant innovation."

Is "getting tougher over time" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "getting tougher over time" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing trends or long-term changes. However, consider alternatives like "becoming more arduous with time" for an even more formal tone.