it was rough

USAGE SUMMARY

'it was rough' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that involved difficulty or hardship. For example: The hike was tough and it was rough at the end, but we managed to make it to the summit.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was rough going.

The New York Times

It was rough".

The New York Times

For some it was rough.

The New York Times

"It was rough," he said.

The New York Times

"It was rough," he says.

Independent

"But it was rough.

The New York Times - Sports

It was rough sometimes.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, it was rough.

The New York Times - Sports

It was rough sledding.

The New York Times - Sports

And it was rough, it was difficult.

Independent

"It was rough," he said softly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was rough" to convey that a situation or experience was difficult, unpleasant, or challenging. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the specific situation.

Common error

Avoid using "it was rough" to describe situations that require more nuanced or specific language. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound simplistic or imprecise. Choose more descriptive adjectives when conveying the severity or nature of the difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was rough" functions as a statement describing a past experience or situation. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and frequently used to express that something was difficult or unpleasant.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was rough" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a difficult or unpleasant experience. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively conveys hardship across various contexts, primarily in news and media. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like ""it was difficult"" or ""it was challenging"", but avoid overusing "it was rough" in situations that require more specific or nuanced descriptions to prevent your writing from sounding simplistic. Remember to maintain clarity and context when using this phrase to ensure it resonates with your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was difficult

Replaces "rough" with a more general term for difficulty.

it was challenging

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the situation.

it was tough going

Highlights the arduous progress made.

it was a struggle

Focuses on the effort required to overcome the situation.

it was hard

Offers a simpler, more direct way to express the difficulty.

it was unpleasant

Shifts the focus to the negative experience.

it was trying

Highlights the testing nature of the situation.

it was demanding

Emphasizes the high requirements of the situation.

it was grueling

Stresses the exhausting nature of the experience.

it was a hardship

Formalizes the expression, emphasizing the suffering involved.

FAQs

How can I use "it was rough" in a sentence?

You can use "it was rough" to describe a difficult or unpleasant experience. For example, "The training was intense; "it was rough" on my body."

What phrases can I use instead of "it was rough"?

Alternatives include "it was difficult", "it was challenging", or "it was tough going", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it was rough"?

Yes, "it was rough" is grammatically correct. The sentence follows standard English grammar rules.

What is the difference between "it was rough" and "it was harsh"?

While both describe something unpleasant, "it was rough" typically implies difficulty or hardship, whereas "it was harsh" suggests severity or cruelty.