tough challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

"tough challenge" is a correct part of a sentence and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to an obstacle or situation that requires a great deal of effort to overcome, such as studying for a difficult exam. For example: "I'm facing a tough challenge this semester studying for my advanced biology class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's definitely a tough challenge.

The New York Times - Sports

But it's a tough challenge.

The Guardian - Opinion

Gender equality presents another tough challenge.

The New York Times

But it will be a tough challenge.

Independent

Or just an especially tough challenge perhaps?

The Guardian

"It will be a tough challenge.

The New York Times

Equity has a tough challenge ahead.

The New York Times

It was such a tough challenge.

The Guardian - Money

We are expecting a tough challenge".

The Guardian - Sport

It posed a tough challenge for our most recent graduates.

The Economist

It's a very tough challenge, and very hard to win.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a challenge, follow "tough challenge" with a prepositional phrase (e.g., "tough challenge for us") or an infinitive phrase (e.g., "tough challenge to overcome") to provide context.

Common error

Avoid using "challenge" as a direct substitute for "tough challenge". While "challenge" can be a verb, it doesn't always convey the same sense of difficulty without the adjective "tough". Instead of saying, "This will challenge us", say "This will be a "tough challenge" for us" to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough challenge" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "tough" modifies the noun "challenge". It describes a situation or task that is difficult and requires significant effort to overcome. As seen in Ludwig, it's often used to express the degree of difficulty in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tough challenge" is a common and versatile way to describe a demanding situation or task. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in news articles, scientific papers, and business communications. While suitable for various contexts, it maintains a neutral to slightly informal tone. When using "tough challenge", ensure it's followed by appropriate context, such as a prepositional or infinitive phrase. Be aware that while "challenge" can be a verb, it doesn't always convey the same level of difficulty without the adjective "tough". The Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and provides numerous examples of its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult task

Replaces "challenge" with "task", emphasizing the work involved.

formidable obstacle

Uses "formidable" and "obstacle" to highlight the imposing and obstructive nature of the challenge.

demanding situation

Focuses on the demanding aspect of the situation, rather than framing it as a challenge.

arduous undertaking

Emphasizes the effort and labor required with the words "arduous" and "undertaking".

significant hurdle

Replaces "challenge" with "hurdle", suggesting something to be overcome.

major difficulty

Highlights the presence of a significant difficulty.

complex problem

Frames the challenge as a "problem" requiring a solution, adding the adjective "complex".

testing endeavor

Focuses on the "testing" nature of the endeavor, highlighting the demanding aspect.

grueling assignment

Emphasizes the exhausting and demanding nature with "grueling" and replaces "challenge" with assignment.

taxing ordeal

Highlights the stressful and difficult nature of the experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "tough challenge" to describe any situation that requires significant effort and determination to overcome. For example, "Climbing Mount Everest is a "tough challenge"", or "Learning a new language presents a "tough challenge"".

What are some alternatives to saying "tough challenge"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "difficult task", "formidable obstacle", or "demanding situation".

Is there a difference between "tough challenge" and "difficult challenge"?

While both phrases convey a sense of difficulty, "tough challenge" often implies a need for resilience and determination, whereas "difficult challenge" focuses more on the complexity or skill required.

Can "tough challenge" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "tough challenge" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing significant hurdles or demanding situations. However, consider using more formal synonyms like "arduous undertaking" in highly formal contexts.