setting tougher

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "setting tougher" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of establishing more challenging standards or conditions. Example: "The committee is focused on setting tougher regulations to ensure safety in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

He hopes that setting tougher pollution limits at home will give him the moral high ground in Paris in December where a new global UN emissions accord is due to be signed.

Independent

A rigorous and challenging education is not magically effected simply by setting tougher questions or more essays – much as the modular answers of A-levels at present are to be deplored.

The Guardian - Opinion

They said that in a short period, Mr. Levy had embarked on an ambitious agenda -- setting tougher standards for the performance of superintendents, vowing to move more quickly to remove incompetent teachers and taking aim at the unwieldy central bureaucracy.

The New York Times

They went along because they believed that the bill, by setting tougher national standards for public schools, would help children; and, more to the point, they came away from their talks with Bush believing that he was going to pour new federal funding into the schools.

The New Yorker

Bills imposing more stringent accounting standards, changing the tax and accounting treatment of employee stock options, and setting tougher conflict-of-interest rules for stock analysts and accounting firms that perform nonauditing consulting services have all fallen victim to political gridlock.

The New York Times

It intends to do so by setting tougher standards for energy efficiency and by boosting renewable energy from its current 3% of total energy capacity to 10% by 2010 and 20% by 2020.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Gore was a strong advocate for setting tough standards for smog and soot.

The New York Times

The proposal is being developed by the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the California Air Resources Board, which has led the nation in setting tough standards.

The New York Times

Dr. Blix also said there was "very broad support" in the Security Council for a new resolution setting tough terms for inspections.

The New York Times

But the House Democratic leadership blinked on the issue of setting tough new automobile and truck mileage rules, deferring the question to a conference committee with the Senate later this year.

The New York Times

But for all Clegg's bluster, he's not setting tough enough tests for the changes the prime minister must make to his NHS plans.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "setting tougher" standards, ensure they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) to maximize their effectiveness and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid "setting tougher" rules without considering the practical implications and potential unintended consequences. Always assess the impact on all stakeholders.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "setting tougher" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun within a sentence. As shown by Ludwig, it typically introduces an action related to establishing more demanding standards or rules. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "setting tougher" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes the act of establishing stricter rules or standards. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, with a neutral to professional register. While "setting tougher" is a relatively uncommon phrase, understanding its usage, alternatives like ""imposing stricter"" or ""establishing more rigorous"", and potential pitfalls ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imposing stricter

Focuses on the act of enforcing more stringent regulations.

establishing more rigorous

Highlights the creation of more demanding criteria.

implementing firmer

Emphasizes the practical application of stricter measures.

enacting more stringent

Suggests a formal or legal process of making rules stricter.

applying stricter

Focuses on the use of more demanding regulations.

demanding higher

Implies a call for improved outcomes or performance.

tightening

A more concise way of saying making tighter.

toughening up

A more informal term for becoming stricter.

escalating

Emphasizes a gradual increase in strictness.

intensifying

Focuses on making existing rules or conditions more intense.

FAQs

How can I use "setting tougher" in a sentence?

You can use "setting tougher" when discussing the act of establishing more challenging standards or conditions. For example: "The government is considering "setting tougher" environmental regulations."

What is a good alternative for "setting tougher"?

Alternatives include "imposing stricter", "establishing more rigorous", or "implementing firmer" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "setting tough" or "setting tougher"?

"Setting tough" is grammatically correct, but ""setting tougher"" implies a comparison or increase in the level of difficulty or strictness compared to previous standards. "Setting tough" describes an absolute level of toughness.

What's the difference between "setting tougher rules" and "enforcing existing rules"?

"Setting tougher rules" involves creating or modifying regulations to be more stringent. "Enforcing existing rules" focuses on ensuring compliance with regulations that are already in place.