rough things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rough things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to difficult or challenging situations, experiences, or objects that are not smooth or refined. Example: "We all go through rough things in life, but it's important to stay strong and keep moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

We used cubes and boxes, very rough things.

The Guardian

The all-too smooth Mr Cameron needs to rough things up.

The Economist

This was how rough things were on the green for Woods, who started his round at No. 10. * He two-putted from 6 feet at No. 10 for par.

The New York Times

The final act, from Turkey, tried to rough things up with a dab of hard rock, but they sounded like a school band, and the angry stripping robot at the back, who sawed off her own armor in a shower of sparks, missed her cue.

The New Yorker

Things have been looking awfully bleak for BlackBerry lately, and today the company revealed just how rough things have gotten in its newest earnings release.

TechCrunch

"We want to help create a dialogue toward a more perfect future for people who are having some really rough things happen to them.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

It was a rough, rough thing.

Independent

"It was a rough thing," he says.

The New Yorker

It's a rough thing to rummage through houses and look into the people's eyes.

The New York Times - Magazine

A 15th century wooden coffin would have been a rough thing, for lower status funerals than a king who would usually be buried in sealed lead inside a stone sarcophagus, he explained.

The Guardian

That may or may not be true, but it's hard to disagree with Walter's assertion that "it's a rough thing for an artist of any kind, anywhere, in the world today".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rough things" to describe a situation, consider adding context to clarify the specific difficulties involved. For example, "Navigating the legal landscape proved to be one of the rough things about starting a business."

Common error

Avoid using "rough things" as a catch-all phrase for any type of difficulty. Be specific about the nature of the challenge or problem instead of using only the general expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough things" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "rough" modifies the noun "things". It denotes experiences, situations, or objects characterized by difficulty, unpleasantness, or lack of refinement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rough things" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to refer to difficult or unpleasant situations and is confirmed by Ludwig AI. While the expression is suitable for general use, more precise and sophisticated alternatives may be preferable in formal contexts. Remember to use this phrase in a specific manner instead of a vague descriptor of events. The phrase appears frequently in news and media sources, indicating its acceptance in general writing. Consider the context and register when choosing to use "rough things" or a more refined alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult situations

Focuses specifically on the challenging nature of the circumstances.

challenging experiences

Emphasizes the aspect of personal growth and overcoming obstacles.

hard times

A more general and common way to refer to periods of adversity.

tough circumstances

Highlights the difficult nature of the environment or conditions.

unpleasant matters

Shifts the focus to the disagreeable quality of the subjects being discussed.

adverse conditions

Implies external factors that are working against a positive outcome.

trying events

Focuses on occurrences that test one's resilience and patience.

grim realities

Emphasizes the stark and often negative truth of a situation.

severe hardships

Highlights the intensity and severity of the difficulties faced.

thorny issues

Draws attention to the complexity and potential for conflict in the problems presented.

FAQs

How can I use "rough things" in a sentence?

You can use "rough things" to refer to difficult or unpleasant situations. For example, "We all go through rough things in life, but it's important to stay strong."

What are some alternatives to "rough things"?

Alternatives include "difficult situations", "challenging experiences", or "hard times" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "rough things" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "rough things" may be considered informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise and elevated alternatives like "adverse conditions" or "severe hardships".

What's the difference between "rough things" and "tough things"?

While both can refer to difficulties, "rough things" often implies a lack of refinement or ease, while "tough things" emphasizes resilience and endurance. Both can be used interchangeably in most contexts but make sure to analyze the subtle context differences.