it gets tough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it gets tough" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing challenges or difficulties that may arise in a situation. Example: "When the workload increases and deadlines approach, it gets tough to maintain a work-life balance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Two years ago, St . Johns had only one full outdoor practice before playing its season opener, and that practice was at a high school in Clearwater, Fla. "It gets tough, but that adds to our toughness," Baltz said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It gets tough.

The New York Times - Sports

Otherwise it gets tough".

The New York Times - Food

"But it gets tough after a while".

The New York Times - Sports

When it gets tough, she simply won't give in, regardless.

Independent

"It gets tough, man," Carr said of Russell's lost afternoon.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

"It gets tougher now".

Independent

It gets tougher and funnier.

The New York Times

Ah, now it gets tougher.

The New York Times - Books

As they get something, it gets tougher.

The New York Times

TRUMP: But what it does, Maggie, it means it gets tougher and tougher.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it gets tough" to signal an impending increase in difficulty or a challenging phase within a process or situation. This sets expectations and prepares the audience for potential obstacles.

Common error

Avoid using "it gets tough" in situations where the challenge is already self-evident or minor. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Instead, be specific about the nature of the difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it gets tough" primarily functions as a descriptive statement, indicating a transition to a more challenging state. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, highlighting its role in setting expectations for upcoming difficulties.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it gets tough" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate increasing difficulty or challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s versatile across various contexts, from news and media to academic writing, serving primarily to manage expectations and acknowledge demanding situations. While generally neutral in register, remember to adjust its use based on the formality required. Alternatives include "it becomes challenging" or "it gets difficult" for a more formal tone. Avoid overuse in obviously challenging contexts to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it becomes challenging

Emphasizes the challenging nature of a situation.

it gets difficult

Highlights the increasing level of difficulty.

it becomes arduous

Suggests a tiring and demanding situation.

it gets complicated

Focuses on the complexity of the situation.

it becomes problematic

Emphasizes the potential issues and problems that arise.

it gets intense

Highlights the heightened emotional or physical stress.

it becomes unbearable

Suggests a situation that is hard to tolerate.

it gets stressful

Highlights the stress induced by the situation.

it becomes demanding

Emphasizes the increasing requirements and expectations.

it gets tricky

Indicates a situation requiring careful handling.

FAQs

How can I use "it gets tough" in a sentence?

You can use "it gets tough" to describe a situation where things become more challenging or difficult. For example, "The project started smoothly, but "it gets tough" when deadlines approach".

What's a more formal way to say "it gets tough"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "it becomes challenging" or "it presents difficulties". For example, "The research process presents difficulties when analyzing large datasets".

Are there any situations where I shouldn't use "it gets tough"?

While "it gets tough" is generally acceptable, avoid using it in overly formal or academic writing where more precise language is preferred. Also, avoid using it when the difficulty is already obvious or insignificant.

What can I say instead of "it gets tough" to emphasize complexity?

If you want to emphasize complexity, you might consider using phrases such as "it becomes complicated" or "the situation becomes intricate".