is tough enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is tough enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that possesses sufficient strength or resilience to handle a particular situation or challenge. Example: "This material is tough enough to withstand extreme weather conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Is there a reasonably priced gadget that is tough enough to take on the horseradish challenge?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But he is tough enough.

Independent

But Beckham is tough enough.

The New York Times - Sports

Henin's challenge on Saturday is tough enough.

The New York Times - Sports

"The grocery market is tough enough.

The Guardian - Business

Caregiving is tough enough without trying to counter thwarted preferences.

The New York Times

Travel is tough enough without travel firms making it trickier.

Independent

I also question whether this team is tough enough.

The New York Times

Even in developed markets it is tough enough.

The Economist

That claim is tough enough to accept on its face.

The New York Times

Running any business is tough enough in ordinary times.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is tough enough", consider the specific quality you want to emphasize: physical strength, resilience, or durability, and adjust your word choice accordingly. For example, use "is resilient enough" when referring to emotional recovery.

Common error

While "is tough enough" is widely acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated synonyms such as "is sufficiently robust" or "is adequately resilient" to enhance the tone and credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is tough enough" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's capacity to meet a particular requirement or challenge. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. Examples show it describing the capability of materials, individuals, and even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is tough enough" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to convey that something or someone possesses sufficient strength, resilience, or capability. According to Ludwig, it's widely used and acceptable across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While synonyms like "is strong enough" or "is resilient enough" may offer greater precision in certain situations, "is tough enough" remains a common and reliable choice. When writing, remember to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and choose the most appropriate synonym for the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is strong enough

Replaces "tough" with "strong", focusing on physical or metaphorical power.

is resilient enough

Replaces "tough" with "resilient", emphasizing the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

is durable enough

Substitutes "tough" with "durable", highlighting the ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage.

is robust enough

Uses "robust" instead of "tough", emphasizing health, vigor, and strength.

is sturdy enough

Replaces "tough" with "sturdy", highlighting the ability to be firmly built or hardy.

is hardy enough

Replaces "tough" with "hardy", suggesting an ability to endure difficult conditions.

is capable enough

Shifts the focus to capability, implying that something has sufficient ability to handle a task.

can withstand

Emphasizes the ability to endure or resist adverse forces or conditions.

is equipped to

Focuses on readiness and preparation, suggesting that something has what is needed to succeed.

is up to the challenge

Uses a more idiomatic expression indicating readiness to face a difficult task.

FAQs

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

You can use "is tough enough" to describe something or someone that possesses sufficient strength or resilience to handle a particular situation or challenge. For example: "This material "is tough enough" to withstand extreme weather conditions."

What can I say instead of "is tough enough"?

You can use alternatives like "is strong enough", "is resilient enough", or "is durable enough" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is tough enough" or "is enough tough"?

"Is tough enough" is the correct word order. The adjective "tough" should precede "enough" in this construction.

What's the difference between "is tough enough" and "is strong enough"?

While both phrases express a similar idea, ""is tough enough"" often implies resilience and the ability to withstand hardship, whereas "is strong enough" generally focuses on physical or metaphorical power.