tough assignment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tough assignment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or project that is challenging or difficult to complete. Example: "The professor gave us a tough assignment that required extensive research and critical thinking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Tough assignment.

The New Yorker

What a tough assignment!

The New York Times - Travel

A tough assignment, dammit.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This was a tough assignment.

The New Yorker

It was a tough assignment.

The New York Times - Sports

Air show pilots have a tough assignment.

The New York Times

But he faces a tough assignment.

The Economist

That could be a tough assignment.

The New York Times

Randy Wittman has another tough assignment.

The New York Times - Sports

(In China, probably not a tough assignment).

The New York Times

It's a tough assignment, of course.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tough assignment", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific challenge or difficulty associated with the task. Providing details about why the assignment is tough enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "tough assignment" as a generic descriptor. Always provide context to explain what makes the assignment difficult. For example, instead of saying "It was a tough assignment", specify "It was a tough assignment due to the tight deadline and limited resources".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough assignment" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "tough" modifies the noun "assignment". It is typically used to describe a task or duty that is challenging, difficult, or demanding. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Sports

12%

Books

7%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tough assignment" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a challenging task or duty. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and usability. Its usage spans various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and books, with a neutral register suitable for both professional and informal communication. When using this phrase, providing specific context about the challenges involved enhances clarity. Alternatives such as "challenging task" or "difficult undertaking" can be used for variety, but "tough assignment" remains a reliable and widely understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging task

Focuses on the challenging nature of the task, emphasizing the effort required.

difficult undertaking

Highlights the complexity and labor involved in the task.

arduous job

Emphasizes the strenuous and demanding aspects of the job.

demanding duty

Stresses the high requirements and expectations of the duty.

formidable mission

Conveys a sense of the mission being daunting and potentially overwhelming.

onerous responsibility

Highlights the burdensome and taxing nature of the responsibility.

complex endeavor

Focuses on the intricate and multifaceted nature of the endeavor.

heavy burden

Emphasizes the weight and difficulty associated with the task.

grueling task

Stresses the physically or mentally exhausting nature of the task.

laborious effort

Highlights the extensive work and dedication required.

FAQs

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

You can use "tough assignment" to describe a task that is challenging or difficult. For example, "The professor gave us a "tough assignment" that required extensive research." or "Dealing with that client was a "tough assignment".

What are some alternatives to "tough assignment"?

You can use alternatives like "challenging task", "difficult undertaking", or "demanding duty" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "tough assignment" or "difficult task"?

"Tough assignment" and "difficult task" are largely interchangeable. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey; "tough" might imply resilience is needed, while "difficult" emphasizes complexity.

What makes an assignment qualify as a "tough assignment"?

A "tough assignment" typically involves one or more factors such as tight deadlines, limited resources, high complexity, the need for specialized skills, or significant potential consequences.