tough call

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tough call" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe a difficult decision or situation. For example, "Choosing between two job offers was a tough call, but in the end, I decided to accept the one with better pay and benefits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tough Call.

MIT Technology Review

We know: tough call.

The New York Times

Mmm, tough call.

The New Yorker

Tough call to make".

Independent

"Tough call, tough call," Jackson said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Tough call," Peca said.

The New York Times - Sports

Quite a tough call.

The Guardian

Tough call for officials.

The Guardian - Sport

This is a tough call.

The New York Times

But it's a tough call.

The New York Times

"o It's a tough call.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tough call" when you want to acknowledge the difficulty of a decision, showing empathy or understanding towards the person making it.

Common error

Avoid using "tough call" for simple decisions; reserve it for situations with genuine complexity or conflicting options.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough call" functions as a noun phrase used to describe a situation where making a decision or judgment is difficult. Ludwig AI confirms it's often employed to acknowledge the complexity and potential consequences of the decision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tough call" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a difficult decision or situation. Ludwig AI validates its frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's generally suitable for neutral to informal settings, it might not be ideal for highly formal or academic writing. When facing or acknowledging a difficult decision, using "tough call" effectively conveys empathy and understanding. Alternatives like "difficult decision" or "challenging choice" can be used for similar effect. Avoid using it in trivial situations to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult decision

Replaces the idiomatic "call" with the more literal "decision", emphasizing the challenging choice.

challenging choice

Similar to "difficult decision", but highlights the demanding nature of the selection process.

hard choice to make

Emphasizes the act of making a difficult selection.

unenviable position

Focuses on the undesirable nature of having to make a difficult decision.

vexing question

Highlights the perplexing nature of the issue at hand.

problematic issue

Draws attention to the troublesome aspects of the situation requiring resolution.

delicate matter

Suggests a situation requiring careful handling and consideration.

thorny question

A more figurative way of describing a difficult or sensitive issue.

tricky situation

Indicates a complex scenario needing skillful navigation.

demanding situation

Highlights the exigent circumstances surrounding the decision or judgment.

FAQs

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

"Tough call" is used to express that a decision or judgment is difficult to make. For example, "Deciding which job offer to accept was a "tough call".".

What's a similar phrase to "tough call"?

Alternatives include "difficult decision", "challenging choice", or "hard choice to make". All these phrases indicate a challenging decision-making process.

When is it appropriate to use "tough call"?

Use "tough call" when facing a situation where multiple options have significant pros and cons, making the selection process genuinely difficult. It’s particularly fitting when acknowledging the complexity of someone else’s choice.

Is "tough call" formal or informal?

"Tough call" is generally considered informal to neutral in tone, suitable for everyday conversation and many professional contexts, but may not be appropriate for highly formal or academic writing.