somewhat tough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat tough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is moderately difficult or challenging. Example: "The exam was somewhat tough, but I managed to pass with a decent score."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

On paper, that seems somewhat tough.

The Guardian - Sport

These platters also include lobster (whole or half), but ours was somewhat tough with overcooking.

The New York Times

Although Ms. Hamilton's somewhat tough Ophelia goes against the character's traditionally fragile grain, her descent into madness stays reasonably credible.

The New York Times

This was a collection of maybe six, somewhat tough, flavored with lemongrass broth and Thai basil, and served in a tiny, lidded pot.

The New York Times

A roasted artichoke heart appetizer was very dry and somewhat tough, while the "crispy" Portobello mushrooms tucked underneath a chunk of beef tenderloin were limp.

The New York Times

The headliner porterhouse for two consisted of somewhat tough tenderloin and even harder-to-cut slices from the other side of the bone.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

The House passed a somewhat tougher bill last October.

The New York Times

Regulations became somewhat tougher worldwide, yet they caused little more than a pause in drilling.

The New York Times

Blessed with slightly more useful Oscar love nominations for actress (Meryl Streep) and supporting actress (Julia Roberts) August: Osage County nevertheless proved a somewhat tougher sell.

The Guardian - Film

Christopher Dodd, a Democrat now facing a tough re-election fight in Connecticut, is trying to steer a somewhat tougher version of Ms. Maloney's bill through the Senate.

The New York Times

The trend has continued under the Bush administration, which has adopted a somewhat tougher tone toward Iran as officials said they were reviewing American policy toward Tehran.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat tough" to describe situations, materials, or challenges that are moderately difficult or resistant. This conveys a balanced assessment, avoiding extremes.

Common error

While "somewhat tough" is versatile, in highly formal writing, consider stronger or more precise synonyms to convey the exact degree of difficulty or resistance. Options like "moderately challenging" or "relatively difficult" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat tough" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, used to describe the degree or intensity of a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It qualifies the noun by indicating that it possesses a moderate level of difficulty or resilience.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

24%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat tough" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase that indicates a moderate level of difficulty or resilience. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, including news, media, and informal settings. While it appears frequently in News & Media and Wiki, its usage in more formal contexts might require considering stronger or more precise synonyms to achieve the desired level of nuance. Key alternatives include "moderately challenging" and "fairly difficult".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moderately challenging

Emphasizes the level of challenge involved.

fairly difficult

Highlights the degree of difficulty.

relatively hard

Focuses on the comparative aspect of the difficulty.

slightly arduous

Implies a task requiring considerable effort.

a bit demanding

Stresses the requirements and expectations involved.

reasonably resilient

Shifts the focus to the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.

somewhat sturdy

Emphasizes the physical strength or durability.

not entirely easy

Uses a double negative to indirectly indicate difficulty.

kind of firm

Indicates a physical property of being solid or unyielding.

a touch rigorous

Highlights the strictness and precision involved.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat tough" to describe something that presents a moderate challenge or exhibits a degree of resistance. For example, "The hike was "somewhat tough", but the view from the top was worth it."

What are some alternatives to "somewhat tough"?

Alternatives include "moderately challenging", "fairly difficult", or "relatively hard", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a somewhat tough challenge"?

Yes, "a somewhat tough challenge" is grammatically correct and commonly used. The article "a" is appropriate because "challenge" is a countable noun.

What's the difference between "somewhat tough" and "very tough"?

"Somewhat tough" indicates a moderate level of difficulty or resistance, while "very tough" implies a significantly higher level. "Somewhat" suggests a manageable challenge, whereas "very" suggests a more formidable one.