keeps getting tougher

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeps getting tougher" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or challenge that is becoming increasingly difficult over time. Example: "As the competition heats up, the job market keeps getting tougher for recent graduates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But many investors, economists, government officials and international monetary officials are worried that finding a solution keeps getting tougher now that Europe's debt crisis is in its third year.

The New York Times

You actually believe it is going to get easier, and so when it keeps getting tougher and reaches the point where it has taken over your life, you still believe that it is going to lighten up.

The New York Times

Our take is that the agreement makes sense, especially in light of a competitive landscape that keeps getting tougher for Slack.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

And the standards will keep getting tougher.

The New York Times

"The matches are going to keep getting tougher," Murray said.

Independent

It kept getting tougher to top my own high score.

The New York Times

1) Green Bay Packers Last season: 11-5 Lise is going to keep getting tougher in the NFC North.

The Guardian - Sport

The markets keep getting tougher.

Forbes

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

"We have some opportunities earlier in the game against C. C., and like he always does, he just keeps getting stronger and tougher as the game goes on," Braves Manager Fredi Gonzalez said.

The New York Times - Sports

If they keep getting better, they'll be tough to beat.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeps getting tougher" to describe situations where the level of difficulty is progressively increasing. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "keeps getting tougher" is a valid expression, avoid using it repetitively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "becomes increasingly difficult" or "grows progressively harder" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeps getting tougher" functions as a verbal phrase expressing a dynamic process. It describes how a situation or task is continuously evolving towards greater difficulty. This is supported by the Ludwig examples, where the phrase is used to illustrate increasing challenges over time. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keeps getting tougher" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable way to express an ongoing increase in difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While the phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various forms of communication. Remember to use this phrase judiciously, and consider swapping it out for synonyms like "becomes increasingly difficult" to improve the quality of your writing. Ludwig's examples highlight practical applications of this phrase across multiple domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becomes increasingly difficult

Formal rephrasing, highlighting the increasing nature of the difficulty.

is becoming more challenging

Replaces 'tougher' with 'challenging', maintaining the sense of growing difficulty.

grows progressively harder

Emphasizes the gradual nature of the increase in difficulty.

is steadily worsening

Shifts the focus to a negative progression, implying difficulty as a result.

is continuously intensifying

Highlights the ongoing and increasing intensity of the situation.

presents escalating hurdles

Uses a metaphorical expression, focusing on increasing obstacles.

is on a downward spiral

Implies a negative trend where things are getting worse and more difficult.

gets more complicated by the minute

Emphasizes the rapid increase in complexity.

is proving ever more troublesome

Replaces 'tougher' with 'troublesome', highlighting the problematic nature.

is increasingly arduous

Formal synonym, which points out something that is hard to accomplish.

FAQs

How can I use "keeps getting tougher" in a sentence?

You can use "keeps getting tougher" to describe a situation that is becoming increasingly difficult over time. For example, "As the competition heats up, the job market "keeps getting tougher" for recent graduates."

What are some alternatives to "keeps getting tougher"?

You can use alternatives such as "becomes increasingly difficult", "is becoming more challenging", or "grows progressively harder" depending on the context.

Is "keeps getting tougher" grammatically correct?

Yes, "keeps getting tougher" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable.

What is the difference between "keeps getting tougher" and "is getting tougher"?

"Keeps getting tougher" implies a continuous and ongoing increase in difficulty, whereas "is getting tougher" simply indicates that something is becoming more difficult at the present moment. The former emphasizes the progression over time.