it really tough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it really tough" is not correct in English.
Did you mean "it is really tough"? You can use this phrase when describing a situation or experience that is challenging or difficult. Example: "After working long hours for weeks, I can honestly say that it is really tough to maintain a work-life balance."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

I found it really tough..

The Guardian

He made it really tough for me".

The Guardian - Sport

"They made it really tough on us in every area".

The New York Times - Sports

The doughty Guyanese left-hander must have had it really tough as a youngster.

The Guardian - Sport

And so I was surprised to find it really tough going.

The New York Times

There's only a few minutes to do all that – Shakespeare makes it really tough!

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

To throw it away just as it gets really tough.

BBC

It's really tough, though.

The New York Times

"So it's really tough.

The New York Times - Sports

It's really tough work".

The New York Times

It was really tough news.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always ensure the phrase includes a verb like "is", "was", or "seems" to make it grammatically correct. For example, use "it is really tough" instead of "it really tough".

Common error

Avoid omitting the verb "to be" (is, was, etc.) before "really tough". Saying "it really tough" is grammatically incorrect. Instead, use "it is really tough" or "it's really tough".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it really tough" functions as a subjective assessment of difficulty. Although Ludwig AI flags it as incorrect, its frequent usage implies an attempt to convey a sense of challenge or hardship, similar to the corrected form "it is really tough".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "it really tough" is commonly used, it's grammatically incorrect. The Ludwig AI correctly identifies the omission of the verb "to be". To ensure grammatical correctness and clarity, it's better to use "it is really tough" or "it's really tough". Though frequently found in informal contexts like news articles and general discussions, remember to adjust your phrasing to suit the formality of the setting. Alternatives like "it is genuinely challenging" or "it is incredibly hard" can provide similar meanings while maintaining grammatical integrity. Always prioritize clear and accurate communication to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is really tough

Addition of "is" to correct the grammatical structure.

it's really difficult

Replaces "tough" with the synonym "difficult".

it's genuinely challenging

Substitutes "really tough" with "genuinely challenging" for a slightly more formal tone.

it's incredibly hard

Uses "incredibly hard" to emphasize the difficulty.

it's exceptionally demanding

Employs "exceptionally demanding" to highlight the rigorous nature.

it presents significant challenges

Shifts to a more formal and objective phrasing.

it poses considerable difficulties

Similar to the previous, but uses "difficulties" instead of "challenges".

it is a real struggle

Uses a more figurative expression to convey difficulty.

it requires great effort

Focuses on the effort needed due to the difficulty.

it proves quite problematic

Highlights the problematic aspects of the situation.

FAQs

How can I correct the phrase "it really tough"?

The phrase "it really tough" is grammatically incorrect. To correct it, add the verb "to be" (is, was, etc.) For example, say "it is really tough" or the contraction "it's really tough".

What does "it is really tough" mean?

The phrase "it is really tough" means that something is very difficult or challenging. It implies that a situation or task requires considerable effort or resilience.

What can I say instead of "it really tough"?

You can use alternatives like "it is really difficult", "it is genuinely challenging", or "it is incredibly hard" depending on the context.

Is "it really tough" formal or informal?

The phrase "it really tough" is generally considered informal. More formal alternatives include "it presents significant challenges" or "it poses considerable difficulties".