this is tough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'this is tough' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to express difficulty or a challenge. For example: "I have to take five exams in two weeks; this is tough."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"So this is tough".

The New York Times

But this is tough stuff.

Independent

"This is tough," he said.

The New York Times

This is tough stuff.

The New York Times

This is tough to swallow.

The New York Times - Sports

Of course this is tough".

The New York Times - Sports

"This is tough," one company commander, Capt.

The New York Times

"This is tough, ugly and nasty.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

This is tough-guy TV that guzzles beer and pounds its hairy chest.

The New York Times - Arts

This is tougher trading".

Forbes

With dome screens, this is tougher.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is tough" to express empathy or understanding when someone is facing a difficult situation.

Common error

Avoid using "this is tough" as a standalone statement. Always provide context or explanation to clarify what exactly is difficult.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is tough" functions as an adjective phrase, where 'tough' modifies 'this'. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, indicating it's a grammatically sound way to express difficulty or a challenge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

30%

General Conversation

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is tough" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express difficulty or a challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across varied contexts, especially in News & Media and Sports. While suitable for neutral registers, more formal alternatives might be preferable in certain professional settings. Remember to provide context when using the phrase to ensure clarity. Consider using "this is challenging" or "this is difficult" as substitutes for more formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is challenging

Replaces "tough" with a synonym indicating difficulty.

this is difficult

Uses a more formal synonym for "tough".

this is hard

Employs a simpler synonym for "tough".

this is demanding

Highlights the effort required.

this is trying

Suggests a test of one's patience or endurance.

this is grueling

Emphasizes the exhausting nature of the situation.

this is no picnic

An idiomatic expression indicating an unpleasant situation.

this is an uphill battle

Implies a struggle against significant odds.

this is a tall order

Indicates a task that is hard to achieve.

this is a struggle

Focuses on the effort and difficulty involved.

FAQs

What does "this is tough" mean?

The phrase "this is tough" means that something is difficult, challenging, or unpleasant. It's used to express that a situation requires effort, resilience, or endurance.

How can I use "this is tough" in a sentence?

You can use "this is tough" when referring to a difficult situation, task, or experience. For example, "Dealing with this problem is tough", or "This situation is tough on everyone involved".

What are some alternatives to "this is tough"?

Alternatives include "this is challenging", "this is difficult", or "this is hard". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "this is tough" appropriate in formal writing?

While "this is tough" is widely understood, it might be too informal for certain formal contexts. In such cases, consider using alternatives like "this is challenging" or "this is demanding" to maintain a more professional tone.