substantially tougher

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantially tougher" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is significantly more difficult or challenging than something else. Example: "The new regulations are substantially tougher than the previous ones, requiring companies to adapt quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

English GCSE exams are to be made substantially tougher under controversial changes that will no longer test teenagers' speaking and listening skills.

The Guardian

The resolution is also substantially tougher than rival proposals put forward for debate at the human rights council by Arab states.

The Guardian

Germany has substantially tougher laws and has in the past blamed its neighbor for an increase in its own drug problems.

The New York Times

istanbulpiers has just finished Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace – and loved it: Though it is long and fairly challenging in places (however, I warmed up to it by reading Pynchon's Gravity's Rainbow, which was substantially tougher) it is a highly entertaining read – cracking satire and wonderful, inventive use of language.

The Guardian - Books

In a poll conducted in early July by The New York Times and Siena College, Jews were substantially tougher than other primary voters on both Mr. Weiner and Mr. Spitzer, a reversal of the usual vote-your-kind rules of city politics, with 51 percent of Jewish Democratic primary voters expressing unfavorable impressions of each of the two candidates.

The New York Times

These results demonstrate that patterned adhesive joints can be substantially tougher than joints with no pattern.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Although cured 2 have substantially lower moduli than do conventional epoxy thermosets based on bisphenol A-diglycidyl ether (BADGE), the crosslinked triglycerides adhere strongly to steel and aluminum and are much more ductile and considerably tougher than commercial epoxy systems.

Polymer

Then the house was appraised for substantially less, making it tough to get a mortgage.

The New York Times

"Cry Macho," said Mr. Ruddy, is not being substantially rewritten, though its tough-sweet tone has less connection with contemporary hits than with movies like the adult-child caper "Paper Moon" with Ryan and Tatum O'Neal.

The New York Times

People who try to tough it out substantially raise their odds of ending up with the excruciating nerve damage of postherpetic neuropathy or PHN, which can last for years.

The New York Times

For founders in the U.S., the complications and tough choices have actually declined substantially.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantially tougher", ensure that you are comparing two distinct entities or states where the difference in difficulty or strength is significant and easily perceivable. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your assertion.

Common error

Avoid using "substantially tougher" when the actual difference is marginal or subtle. Overstating the degree of difficulty can undermine your credibility and weaken the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantially tougher" functions as an intensifier modifying an adjective. It amplifies the degree to which something is difficult, rigorous, or challenging. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it's suitable to describe a significant increase in difficulty.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "substantially tougher" serves to amplify the adjective "tougher", indicating a significant increase in difficulty or rigor. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the usage is grammatically correct and common across various sources. Analysis indicates its suitability for describing significant differences, particularly in contexts such as news, media, and scientific publications. When employing this phrase, ensure the comparison is valid and the increase is indeed substantial to maintain clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerably more challenging

Emphasizes the increase in the level of challenge.

significantly more difficult

Highlights the notable increase in difficulty.

noticeably harder

Focuses on the perceptible increase in effort required.

markedly more rigorous

Stresses the increased strictness and thoroughness.

appreciably more demanding

Underlines the heightened level of expectations and requirements.

substantially more stringent

Focuses on the increased severity and enforcement of rules or standards.

much more formidable

Indicates a significant increase in the power or difficulty to overcome.

considerably stronger

Emphasizes the increased strength or resilience.

significantly more resilient

Highlights the enhanced ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

noticeably more robust

Focuses on the improved sturdiness and durability.

FAQs

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

Use "substantially tougher" to describe something that is significantly more challenging or rigorous than something else. For example, "The new regulations are "substantially tougher" than the previous ones, requiring companies to adapt quickly."

What are some alternatives to "substantially tougher"?

You can use alternatives such as "considerably more challenging", "significantly more difficult", or "noticeably harder" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "substantially tougher" in formal writing?

Yes, "substantially tougher" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing a significant increase in difficulty or rigor. However, ensure that the context warrants such a strong descriptor.

What's the difference between "substantially tougher" and "slightly tougher"?

"Substantially tougher" implies a significant and noticeable increase in difficulty, while "slightly tougher" suggests a marginal or minor increase. The choice between them depends on the actual degree of difference you are describing.