this was tough

USAGE SUMMARY

"this was tough" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or experience that was difficult or challenging, as in the following sentence: I thought I had aced the test, but when I got my grade I realized it was harder than I expected - this was tough.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Discussion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

This was tough love.

The New York Times

This was tough for me.

The New York Times

Admittedly, this was tough on the eight.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This was tough for me," Bates, 84, said.

The New York Times - Sports

After thanking his family, he added, "This was tough.

The New Yorker

This was tough, but Katie and I tackled the challenge here!

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

This was tougher than I had anticipated.

The New York Times - Travel

This was tougher than it sounds.

Huffington Post

"So this is tough".

The New York Times

This is tough stuff.

The New York Times

"This is tough," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this was tough", ensure the context clearly establishes what "this" refers to. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

In formal contexts, avoid overusing the phrase "this was tough". Opt for more sophisticated vocabulary such as "challenging", "demanding", or "arduous" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was tough" primarily functions as a declarative statement, expressing the speaker's assessment of a situation or task as being difficult or challenging. Ludwig AI confirms its standard grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this was tough" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey that something was difficult or challenging. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a straightforward and correct way to express hardship. Predominantly found in news, sports, and general discussions, it is generally considered neutral in register but leans towards the informal side. When aiming for more formal or academic tones, substituting with alternatives like "this proved challenging" or "this presented difficulties" might be more suitable. Understanding the context and audience is crucial for effective use of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this proved challenging

Emphasizes the act of challenging more than the experience of being tough.

this was demanding

Highlights the demanding nature of the situation.

this required effort

Focuses on the effort needed to overcome the difficulty.

this was no easy task

Emphasizes the difficulty indirectly by stating the opposite.

this was arduous

Suggests a more prolonged and strenuous difficulty.

this tested my limits

Focuses on the personal experience of being pushed to one's boundaries.

this presented difficulties

A more formal way of expressing that challenges were encountered.

this was a struggle

Highlights the element of conflict and effort involved.

it wasn't a walk in the park

An idiomatic expression indicating that something was not easy.

this pushed me hard

Highlights the active role of the situation or activity in exerting pressure.

FAQs

What does "this was tough" mean?

The phrase "this was tough" means that something was difficult, challenging, or required considerable effort to overcome. It's a general expression of hardship.

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

You can use "this was tough" to describe any situation that presented difficulties, such as: "The exam was unexpectedly difficult; "this was tough"." It can also be used to describe emotional experiences. Remember to make sure that “this” is well defined in the context.

What are some alternatives to saying "this was tough"?

Alternatives include: "this was challenging", "this was demanding", or "this required effort". The best alternative depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "this was tough" too informal for academic writing?

While "this was tough" is generally acceptable, academic writing often benefits from more precise and sophisticated language. Consider using alternatives like "this presented difficulties" or describing the specific challenges encountered.