is a tough assignment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a tough assignment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a task or project that is challenging or difficult to complete. Example: "Completing the research paper on such short notice is a tough assignment for any student."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Poetically, the zombie beat is a tough assignment.

The New York Times - Books

But Week 1 against Indianapolis is a tough assignment for Pryor.

The New York Times - Sports

It is a tough assignment because so much of the WorldCom story has been reported so thoroughly in print.

The New York Times

I'm sorry to sound squeamish but, at breakfast, a boiled head on your plate is a tough assignment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Other human rights analysts expressed a certain amount of sympathy for the US troops, noting that Guantanamo is a tough assignment.

Independent

"It is a tough assignment but someone has to do it," said the head coach, Warren Gatland, after checking what Noosa had to offer.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

WHICH is a tougher assignment for a photographer: to invent a picture or to discover one?

The New York Times - Books

Drew Cortese has it fairly easy being both dukes, the good and the bad, plus other people, since the dukes have only one common scene; playing the determinedly innocent rustic Sylvius is a tougher assignment, and he handles it very well.

The New York Times

This is a tougher assignment but she's got the momentum coming in.

Los Angeles Times

This was a tough assignment.

The New Yorker

It was a tough assignment.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance the impact of "is a tough assignment", pair it with quantifiable details or examples that illustrate the level of difficulty involved.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "is a tough assignment" without explaining why it's difficult. Always provide context or specific examples to justify the assertion and enhance the reader's understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a tough assignment" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing a noun (the assignment) as being difficult or challenging. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in various contexts, affirming its role in characterizing tasks, roles or situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Sport

25%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science & Research

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is a tough assignment" is a commonly used phrase to describe a challenging or difficult task. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as sports contexts. When using it, it's important to provide context to clarify the specific challenges involved. Alternatives such as "is a challenging task" or "presents a significant challenge" can be used to add variety to your writing. Always remember to explain why the assignment is considered tough to provide a comprehensive understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a challenging task

Replaces 'tough assignment' with 'challenging task', focusing on the difficulty of the task.

is a difficult undertaking

Substitutes 'tough assignment' with 'difficult undertaking', emphasizing the effort required.

presents a significant challenge

Rephrases the statement to highlight the challenge involved, rather than directly describing the assignment.

is a demanding job

Replaces 'tough assignment' with 'demanding job', focusing on the effort and skills needed.

is a formidable challenge

Uses 'formidable challenge' instead of 'tough assignment' to convey a sense of something difficult to overcome.

is no easy feat

Expresses the difficulty by stating that it's 'no easy feat', implying a challenging endeavor.

is a Herculean task

Uses 'Herculean task' to emphasize the immense effort and difficulty involved, referencing the labors of Hercules.

is an uphill battle

Metaphorically describes the situation as 'an uphill battle', suggesting a difficult and prolonged struggle.

is fraught with difficulty

Highlights the 'difficulty' inherent in the task or situation, making it seem complicated and problematic.

poses considerable difficulty

Focuses on the 'considerable difficulty' presented by the task, emphasizing the level of challenge involved.

FAQs

How can I use "is a tough assignment" in a sentence?

You can use "is a tough assignment" to describe tasks or situations that require significant effort and skill. For example, "Negotiating this contract "is a tough assignment", given the numerous stakeholders involved."

What can I say instead of "is a tough assignment"?

You can use alternatives like "is a challenging task", "is a difficult undertaking", or "presents a significant challenge depending on the context".

Is it better to say "is a tough assignment" or "is a difficult assignment"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to express. "Tough" might imply resilience and determination, while "difficult" might emphasize the inherent complexities of the task.

What makes "is a tough assignment" different from "is a simple task"?

"Is a tough assignment" implies a high degree of difficulty, requiring significant effort and expertise, whereas "is a simple task" suggests ease and minimal effort. The former is used when something is challenging, while the latter is used when something is easy.