it was tough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was tough" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a challenging or difficult experience or situation in the past. Example: "The exam was really difficult, and I have to admit, it was tough to prepare for it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was tough".

The New York Times

It was tough work.

The New Yorker

"So it was tough.

The New York Times - Sports

It was tough, man.

The New Yorker

So it was tough, yeah".

The New York Times

It was tough in there.

Independent

Woods said: "It was tough.

Independent

"It was tough," Chandler says.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It was tough, very difficult.

Independent

"It was tough for us.

Independent

"It was tough," Corona said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "challenging", "difficult", or more descriptive phrases depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "it was tough" without providing sufficient context. Ensure your reader understands what "it" refers to. Instead of saying, "It was tough", try "The negotiation process was tough because we faced strong opposition from the client."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was tough" functions as a subject complement, where "it" is the subject, "was" is the linking verb, and "tough" is the adjective describing the subject. It expresses a subjective assessment of difficulty or adversity, a claim validated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was tough" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a challenging past experience. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability, particularly in News & Media contexts. While versatile, consider the formality of your writing and explore synonyms like "challenging" or more descriptive phrases to enhance clarity and impact. Remember to provide context when using "it was tough" to ensure your reader understands what "it" refers to, and also make good use of its suggested alternatives for your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it proved challenging

Replaces "tough" with "challenging" and uses a more formal verb "proved".

it presented difficulties

Emphasizes the presence of "difficulties" rather than the overall experience.

it tested my limits

Indicates that the experience pushed the speaker's boundaries.

it wasn't a walk in the park

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the lack of ease.

it pushed me to the brink

Suggests that the experience nearly overwhelmed the speaker.

it required significant effort

Focuses on the amount of effort needed.

it was an uphill battle

Uses a metaphor to describe a prolonged struggle.

it demanded considerable resilience

Highlights the need for "resilience" to overcome the challenge.

it strained my abilities

Highlights the strain on the speaker's capabilities.

it involved considerable hardship

Emphasizes the presence of "hardship" throughout the experience.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was tough" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "it proved challenging", "it presented difficulties", or "it required significant effort".

What are some idiomatic alternatives to "it was tough"?

Several idioms can replace "it was tough", such as "it wasn't a walk in the park", "it was an uphill battle", or "it was no picnic".

Is "it was tough" suitable for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "it was tough" may be considered too informal for academic writing. Opt for more precise and descriptive language, such as "it demanded considerable resilience" or "it tested my limits" to convey the difficulty in a more sophisticated manner.

How does "it was tough" differ from "it got tough"?

"It was tough" describes a state of difficulty that existed at a specific point in the past. "It got tough" implies a change in condition, indicating that something became difficult over time.