tough choice

USAGE SUMMARY

"tough choice" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone has a difficult decision to make. For example: "The company had to make a tough choice between two suppliers for their materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mmmm, tough choice".

The Guardian

That's a tough choice".

The New York Times

Republicans have a tough choice.

The New York Times

Tough choice — NOLA or Indy.

The New Yorker

BEST BACKCOUNTRY A tough choice.

The New York Times - Sports

Dessert presents a tough choice.

The New York Times

"It is a tough choice.

The New York Times

This presents a tough choice.

The New York Times

This is a tough choice.

The Guardian

Sometimes it's a tough choice.

The New Yorker

It's really a tough choice".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tough choice" to acknowledge the difficulty of a decision, showing empathy for those facing it. This can be particularly effective in persuasive writing or when providing advice.

Common error

Avoid using "tough choice" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with alternatives like "difficult decision" or "challenging decision" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough choice" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It describes a decision that is difficult to make. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tough choice" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a difficult decision. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, business, and general conversation. While widely accepted, writers should avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "difficult decision" or "challenging decision". The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources, emphasizing its role in discussing complex and difficult situations. The consistent use across reputable sources confirms its reliability in conveying the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult decision

Emphasizes the difficulty of the decision itself.

challenging decision

Highlights the demanding nature of the decision-making process.

hard decision

A more direct and simple way to express the difficulty.

unenviable decision

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

vexing decision

Highlights the troubling and annoying aspect of the choice.

problematic choice

Emphasizes that the options are likely to lead to problems.

complex decision

Suggests the decision involves many interconnected factors.

conundrum

Implies the situation is a riddle or puzzle with no easy answer.

predicament

Highlights the difficult or unpleasant situation one is in.

dilemma

Focuses on the conflict between equally undesirable options.

FAQs

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

You can use "tough choice" to describe a difficult decision, such as: "The company had a "tough choice" between laying off employees and cutting salaries."

What can I say instead of "tough choice"?

You can use alternatives like "difficult decision", "hard decision", or "challenging decision" depending on the context.

Is "tough choice" formal or informal?

"Tough choice" is generally considered to be neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain situations.

What's the difference between "tough choice" and "difficult decision"?

While "tough choice" and "difficult decision" are similar, "tough choice" might imply a more emotional or personal struggle, whereas "difficult decision" is a more general and objective term.