tough answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tough answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a response that is difficult to give or may be hard for someone to hear. Example: "When asked about the company's financial struggles, the CEO provided a tough answer that left many employees concerned about their job security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

PAGE A12 Tough Answer From Albright Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said the Clinton administration takes strong exception to criticisms of the United Nations by Senator Jesse Helms.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And it's important to ask the tough questions and get the tough answers before taking action, not just afterwards.

The New York Times

Once you've got the meeting set, be prepared for some tough answers, Brodrick wrote.

BBC

3. Ask the tough questions and be open to hearing the tough answers.

Huffington Post

Romney is desperate above all else to weasel out of tough answers to hard questions.

Huffington Post

These are tough questions, and the American people and our military forces now at risk deserve some tough answers.

Huffington Post

So often, media personalities who are famous in their own right are credited for a great interview, skillfully finding a way to elicit the tough answers from their guests.

Huffington Post

It's proven to help you retrieve tough answers.

WikiHow

The toughest answer today was probably OXBOW for a U-shaped bend in a river — not a word you hear every day.

The New York Times

By far the toughest answer of all.

Huffington Post

"It's tough to answer that one.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tough answer", ensure the context clearly indicates why the answer is considered 'tough'—is it because it's difficult to deliver, hard to accept, or addresses a sensitive subject?

Common error

Avoid using "tough answer" in casual conversation where simpler terms like "difficult answer" or "complicated answer" might be more appropriate. Its slightly formal tone is better suited for professional or news contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough answer" functions as a noun phrase, where "tough" modifies "answer". It is used to describe the nature of the response, highlighting that it may be difficult to give, hear, or accept. Ludwig provides examples in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tough answer" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, primarily found in news and media contexts. It conveys that a response is difficult to give or receive, often due to the sensitive or unpleasant nature of the information. While Ludwig confirms its correct usage, it's important to consider the context and choose the most appropriate wording, as simpler alternatives may be better suited for informal situations. The phrase is more common in news and professional settings, where objectivity and clarity are important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult response

Emphasizes the challenge in formulating the answer.

challenging response

Highlights the intellectual demand required by the answer.

unpleasant reply

Focuses on the potential negativity or discomfort associated with the answer.

hard response

Highlights the potential for emotional distress due to the answer.

firm response

Highlights the determination and resoluteness behind the answer.

stringent reply

Emphasizes the strictness and uncompromising nature of the answer.

demanding response

Highlights that the answer may require a lot of effort from the listener.

thorny explanation

Highlights the intricate and complicated aspects of the answer.

complex explanation

Focuses on the cognitive elements that are part of the answer.

uncomfortable explanation

Focuses on the elements of uneasiness/discomfort that are part of the answer.

FAQs

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

You can use "tough answer" when the response provided is difficult to hear or accept. For example: "The manager gave a "tough answer" to the employee's request for a raise, explaining the company's current financial constraints".

What's the difference between "tough answer" and "hard answer"?

"Tough answer" often implies a response that is difficult to accept or deliver because it addresses a sensitive or unpleasant topic. "Hard answer" can also mean difficult to understand or formulate. While similar, "tough answer" has a stronger connotation of emotional or ethical difficulty.

What can I say instead of "tough answer"?

You can use alternatives like "difficult response", "challenging response", or "unpleasant reply" depending on the context.

Is "tough answer" appropriate for all situations?

While grammatically correct, "tough answer" may not be suitable for informal settings. It's more appropriate for professional, academic, or news-related contexts where a more formal tone is expected.