particularly tough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "particularly tough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is especially difficult or challenging in a specific context. Example: "The exam was particularly tough this year, leaving many students feeling overwhelmed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Any other particularly tough issue?

The New York Times

This closing is a particularly tough blow.

The New York Times

The path for Tottenham looks particularly tough.

Independent

I found it particularly tough.

The Guardian

It's a particularly tough time of year".

The New Yorker

Which makes it, Widmann admits, particularly tough.

The Guardian - Music

Stoutmire had a particularly tough night.

The New York Times - Sports

S.& P. quickly gained a reputation for being particularly tough.

The New York Times

At a particularly tough turn, I pause, hands on knees.

The New York Times

Recent weeks have been particularly tough for the law's proponents.

The Economist

The previous decade had been a particularly tough haul.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "particularly tough", ensure the context clearly establishes what is creating the difficulty. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "particularly tough" with vague or undefined subjects. Always specify what is causing the difficulty to prevent ambiguity and maintain clarity for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "particularly tough" functions as an intensifier modifying an adjective. It amplifies the degree to which something is difficult or challenging. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct and well-supported by examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "particularly tough" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that serves to emphasize the difficulty of a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is most commonly found in News & Media contexts. While versatile, writers should ensure that its usage is precise and that the subject of difficulty is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include "especially challenging", "extremely difficult", and "notably arduous", each offering subtle variations in tone. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively leverage "particularly tough" to enhance their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

especially challenging

Replaces "tough" with "challenging", emphasizing the demanding nature of the situation.

extremely difficult

Substitutes "tough" with "difficult" and "particularly" with "extremely", heightening the sense of adversity.

notably arduous

Replaces "particularly tough" with "notably arduous", introducing a more formal and literary tone.

unusually demanding

Shifts the focus to the demanding aspect, suggesting requirements beyond the ordinary.

remarkably strenuous

Replaces "particularly tough" with "remarkably strenuous", which focuses on effort required.

decidedly burdensome

Emphasizes the heavy or oppressive nature of the difficulty.

singularly taxing

Highlights the depleting or straining effect of the situation.

exceptionally rigorous

Conveys a sense of strictness and precision contributing to the difficulty.

intensely trying

Focuses on the emotional strain and testing of one's endurance.

uncommonly grinding

Implies a continuous and wearing difficulty, often over a prolonged period.

FAQs

How can I use "particularly tough" in a sentence?

You can use "particularly tough" to describe a situation, task, or experience that is especially challenging or difficult. For example, "The negotiations were "particularly tough" due to conflicting interests".

What are some alternatives to "particularly tough"?

Some alternatives include "especially challenging", "extremely difficult", or "notably arduous". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it redundant to say "very particularly tough"?

Yes, saying "very particularly tough" is generally redundant. The word "particularly" already implies a high degree of difficulty, so adding "very" does not significantly enhance the meaning and can sound awkward.

What's the difference between "particularly tough" and "especially tough"?

The phrases "particularly tough" and "especially tough" are largely interchangeable and convey a similar meaning. Both emphasize that something is more difficult than usual. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.