keep tough

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep tough" is a valid phrase in written English.
It is most often used as an encouragement to someone to not give up on something. For example: "I know it's been a difficult week, but keep tough. You can do it!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But he also suggested he would keep tough crime-fighting tools in place.

The New York Times

Not the rabbit-out-of-a-hat kind, but the sort of alchemy in which theater management works to keep tough financial times from affecting what appears on stage.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

On the vote, 43 Republicans and 19 Democrats were in favor of the study; 31 Democrats, 6 Republicans and the independent, James M. Jeffords of Vermont, wanted to keep tougher standards in the bill.

The New York Times

Tough times just keep getting tougher in The D. Carousel Bar & Lounge 478 -- 177 La Mariana Sailing Club New Orleans' Carousel Bar and Lounge swam circles around La Mariana Sailing Club in Honolulu.

Huffington Post

E-mail address GO SIGN UP Share Tweet "I cracked my head and my jaw pretty bad but I was trying to keep it tough for the X Games crowd," he said.

The New Yorker

Would the pig industry would keep such tough wording?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But the West must retain its leverage, especially now that bombing threats have lost some of their credibility after the Syrian debacle.One reason to keep a tough stance is the politics within the regime.

The Economist

It should be a sign of life that they haven't turned into softies, but if they're going to keep playing tough guys they have to work with better material than this.

The New Yorker

Keep being tough Tyler!! — Metta World Peace (@MettaWorldPeace) October 22, 2013.

Los Angeles Times

At the same time, we journalists need to keep asking tough questions, point to problems, offer solutions, and avoid a rush to judgement.

Huffington Post

Keep being tough Tyler!! — Metta World Peace (@MettaWorldPeace) October 22, 2013 I would play on Tyler's team anyday.. you guys are silly!! Stop adding fire to pre season ball.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing in a formal context, consider alternatives like "maintain resolve" or "remain resilient" for a more professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "keep tough" in highly formal or academic writing. It's better suited for casual encouragement or journalistic contexts. Overusing the phrase can diminish the seriousness of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep tough" primarily functions as an encouragement or exhortation. It is used to urge someone to maintain their resolve and resilience in the face of adversity. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with examples of its use in journalistic and casual contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep tough" is a grammatically correct, though informally toned, phrase used to encourage resilience and persistence. Ludwig AI confirms that while not very common, it is valid and appropriate for informal and news contexts. Alternatives such as "stay strong" or "persevere" may be more suitable for formal writing. Remember to consider your audience and the context when choosing whether to use this motivational phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

don't give up

Offers a direct encouragement to continue despite challenges, simplifying the message of "keep tough".

keep going

Provides a simple and direct encouragement to continue, emphasizing momentum and forward progress.

stay strong

Emphasizes resilience and emotional fortitude, differing from "keep tough" by focusing on inner strength.

remain resilient

Highlights the ability to recover quickly from difficulties, adding a formal tone compared to "keep tough".

persevere

Stresses continued effort despite obstacles, presenting a more determined and proactive stance.

maintain resolve

Focuses on upholding a firm decision or determination, lending a formal and resolute quality.

hold firm

Suggests maintaining a position or belief steadfastly, shifting the focus to unwavering conviction.

stand your ground

Implies defending one's position against opposition, introducing an element of confrontation.

endure hardship

Emphasizes the ability to withstand difficult conditions, highlighting resilience over immediate action.

weather the storm

Uses a metaphorical expression to describe enduring a difficult period, adding a touch of drama.

FAQs

What does "keep tough" mean?

The phrase "keep tough" generally means to persevere, stay strong, and not give up despite facing difficulties or challenges. It's an encouragement to maintain resilience.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "keep tough"?

It's appropriate to use "keep tough" in informal and semi-formal contexts where you want to encourage someone to stay strong during a difficult time. It fits well in motivational speeches, casual conversations, or journalistic writing.

What are some alternatives to "keep tough"?

You can use alternatives like "stay strong", "remain resilient", or "persevere" depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is "keep tough" grammatically correct?

Yes, "keep tough" is grammatically correct, though it is more of an informal expression. It is often used as a direct encouragement, similar to saying "stay strong".