rather tough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather tough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is quite difficult or challenging. Example: "The exam was rather tough, and many students struggled to complete it on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"The chef is rather tough".

The New York Times

So, the going is rather tough.

The Washington Post

Hanger steak is ordinary and rather tough.

The New York Times - Food

In climate-change talks, it will make them rather tough.

The Economist

But Lyuba, the original, would be rather tough now.

The New Yorker

But it makes being a rugby league fan rather tough.

The Guardian - Sport

In a way, it made her rather tough as well.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I think I was rather tough," she replies.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It takes a rather tough-minded lady to say 'No' after he says: 'Will you marry me?

The New York Times - Style

Also, the workmanship on rather tough-looking materials, like leather and the glazed wool of a dress with laced vents, is consistently delicate.

The New York Times

But then I realize that hitting that target would be rather tough actually, downright impossible.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rather tough", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended level of difficulty or resilience. This phrase works well in both formal and informal settings to describe situations, tasks, or individuals.

Common error

While "rather tough" is versatile, overuse can diminish its impact. In formal contexts, consider stronger or more precise alternatives like "considerably challenging" or "exceptionally demanding" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

"Rather tough" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying nouns to indicate a significant degree of difficulty, resilience, or firmness. Ludwig examples showcase its use in diverse contexts, from describing challenging situations to characterizing individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rather tough" is a versatile and frequently used adjective phrase that conveys a notable degree of difficulty, resilience, or firmness. According to Ludwig, it functions effectively in diverse contexts, from describing challenging situations in news and media to characterizing individuals or scientific concepts. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, considering the specific context and audience is essential to ensure the phrase accurately conveys the intended nuance. Ludwig's AI confirms the phrase's validity and provides numerous examples to guide its appropriate use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite challenging

Emphasizes the level of difficulty experienced.

fairly difficult

Highlights a moderate level of complexity or hardship.

somewhat arduous

Suggests a task that requires significant effort and endurance.

moderately demanding

Focuses on the intensity of requirements or expectations.

reasonably firm

Indicates a level of strictness or inflexibility that is within acceptable limits.

genuinely resilient

Highlights the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.

distinctly rigorous

Emphasizes the thoroughness and precision required.

noticeably stern

Indicates a serious and uncompromising attitude.

appreciably sturdy

Focuses on the strength and robustness of something.

decidedly resilient

Underscores the quality of being able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.

FAQs

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

You can use "rather tough" to describe something challenging, difficult, or resilient. For example, "The exam was rather tough", or "He is a rather tough competitor".

What are some alternatives to "rather tough"?

Alternatives to "rather tough" include "quite challenging", "fairly difficult", or "somewhat arduous" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "rather tough" appropriate for formal writing?

While "rather tough" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "considerably challenging" or "exceptionally demanding" may be more suitable for academic or professional contexts.

What does "rather tough" imply about the subject it describes?

"Rather tough" suggests that the subject presents a notable degree of difficulty, resilience, or strictness. It indicates something is more than moderately challenging but not necessarily insurmountable.