tough break

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tough break" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express sympathy or disappointment regarding an unfortunate situation or event that has happened to someone. Example: "I heard you lost your job; that's a tough break, but I'm sure something better will come along."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tough break for Giants.

The New York Times

Tough break, Spitz!

The New Yorker

Tough break, Brazil.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Brian got a tough break.

The New York Times - Sports

Tough break, that's an L.

The Guardian - Sport

I mean, tough break, those things happen".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a tough break," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

That was a tough break for us.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a tough break for me and the team.

The New York Times - Sports

"Tough break for them, huh?" joked parent chaperone Tami Meyer.

The Guardian

"Tough break about your spiritual leader throwing in the towel".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tough break" to express empathy or acknowledge someone's disappointment in a situation. It's suitable for informal and semi-formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "tough break" in highly formal or professional settings, as it may come across as insensitive or inappropriate. Opt for more formal expressions like "unfortunate situation" or "setback" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough break" functions primarily as an interjection or an expression of sympathy. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's used to acknowledge someone's misfortune and offer a form of commiseration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

16%

Science & Research

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tough break" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express sympathy or acknowledge someone's disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usefulness. While versatile, it's best suited for informal to neutral contexts. The related phrases such as "hard luck" or "that's a shame" can be used as alternatives, depending on the level of formality required. Remember to avoid using it in highly formal settings to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hard luck

A more concise and direct expression of sympathy for someone's misfortune.

Bad luck

A straightforward expression of sympathy for someone's misfortune, without placing emphasis on the receiver.

That's rough

A more informal way to show empathy when someone is going through difficult circumstances.

That's a shame

Expresses regret or disappointment about an unfortunate event.

That's too bad

Similar to "that's a shame", but can also imply a sense of resignation.

That's a pity

Indicates regret or sadness about something, often used in a slightly more formal context.

Unfortunate situation

A more formal way of acknowledging a negative circumstance.

What a misfortune

Emphasizes the unfortunate nature of an event, highlighting its negative impact.

That's a setback

Focuses on the negative impact of an event on progress or goals.

Tough beans

An informal and sometimes unsympathetic expression of acknowledging someone's misfortune.

FAQs

What does "tough break" mean?

"Tough break" is an idiom used to express sympathy or acknowledge someone's misfortune or disappointment in a particular situation. It implies that something unfortunate has happened, and you're recognizing their situation.

When is it appropriate to use "tough break"?

It's appropriate to use "tough break" in informal or semi-formal contexts when you want to express sympathy or acknowledge someone's disappointment. Avoid using it in highly formal or professional settings, as it might be perceived as insensitive.

What can I say instead of "tough break"?

You can use alternatives like "hard luck", "that's a shame", or "unfortunate situation" depending on the context.

Is "tough break" grammatically correct?

Yes, "tough break" is grammatically correct and a commonly used idiomatic expression in English.