tough conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

"tough conversation" is a perfectly valid phrase.
You can use it to refer to a difficult conversation which may thoroughly address a complicated issue. For example, "I had a tough conversation with my boss about my request for a raise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

It's a tough conversation.

The New Yorker

It was a tough conversation.

The New York Times

"It's a tough conversation because what it gets down to is the values of the family".

The New York Times

"It's a tough conversation to have with the students and their parents," Ms. Stern said.

The New York Times

I'm trying to have a really tough conversation, so can you stop looking at your computer?

The New Yorker

That is a tough conversation for anyone to have, but doctors should do it.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

We had some pretty tough conversations going on.

The New York Times

There were some tough conversations, but these are the tough conversations that have to be had.

The Guardian - Opinion

Were those tough conversations that he encourages having ones that you and your mother did have?

The New Yorker

Tough conversations can be made tougher by the pressure of a formal face-to-face meeting.

The Guardian

Mr Abbott saidthere will be "a lot of tough conversations with Russia, and I suspect the conversation that I have with Mr Putin will be the toughest conversation of all".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tough conversation", consider the audience and context to ensure the level of formality is appropriate. In professional settings, it might be beneficial to use more formal alternatives like "challenging dialogue".

Common error

While "tough conversation" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in highly formal documents or academic papers. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "critical exchange" or "demanding conversation" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough conversation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "tough" modifies the noun "conversation". Ludwig examples show it describes the nature of the discussion, highlighting its difficulty or challenging aspects. It characterizes a discussion needing careful navigation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tough conversation" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a challenging or difficult discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is perfectly valid and suitable for describing complex and sensitive interactions. Predominantly found in News & Media, it characterizes discussions requiring careful handling. While universally understood, consider using more formal alternatives like "challenging dialogue" in professional settings. Understanding its usage helps in choosing the most appropriate language for various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult discussion

Focuses on the challenging nature of the exchange.

challenging dialogue

Emphasizes the demanding aspect of the interaction.

serious discussion

Highlights the gravity and importance of the conversation.

difficult talk

A more informal way to describe a challenging discussion.

sensitive exchange

Implies the need for careful and tactful communication.

uncomfortable discussion

Highlights the uneasy or awkward feeling associated with the conversation.

demanding conversation

Stresses the mental effort and focus required during the interaction.

intense deliberation

Suggests a thorough and earnest consideration of important matters.

fraught discussion

Implies the conversation is filled with tension and potential conflict.

critical exchange

Emphasizes the pivotal or decisive nature of the discussion.

FAQs

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

You can use "tough conversation" to describe a difficult or challenging discussion. For instance, "The manager had a "tough conversation" with the employee about their performance."

What are some alternatives to "tough conversation"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "difficult discussion", "serious discussion", or "challenging dialogue".

Is "tough conversation" appropriate for formal writing?

While acceptable, it might be better to use more formal phrases in academic or professional writing. Consider alternatives like "critical exchange" or "demanding conversation".

What makes a conversation "tough"?

A "tough conversation" usually involves sensitive topics, potential conflict, or the need to deliver difficult news. It often requires careful planning and a tactful approach.