tough criterion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tough criterion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a standard or requirement that is difficult to meet or achieve. Example: "The selection process for this scholarship has a tough criterion, making it challenging for many applicants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A case gets taken no further if it doesn't satisfy seven tough criteria.

The Guardian

Those that fail to meet the tough criteria could have their funding reduced or stopped altogether.

The Guardian

Buyers are having trouble meeting tough criteria for mortgage loans, he said.

The New York Times

The independent regulator Ofgem also rightly demands the biomass we use meets their tough criteria.

Independent

In 1998, nearly 100 detainees staged a hunger strike to protest what they considered tough criteria for getting parole.

The New York Times

Councils may also have to meet tough criteria to achieve the additional borrowing capacity: demonstrating acute housing need, for example, or committing to estate improvement and development targets.

The Guardian

This is expected to be completed around the end of next year, and it is not certain that the results will meet the tough criteria applied by US regulators.

The Guardian - Business

Mike Trippitt, of Numis, also warned that despite the tough criteria used by the BoE, a repeat of the 2007/8 crisis would still leave the taxpayer "on the hook".

Independent

The Economist Intelligence Unit's annual democracy index ranks only one African country, Mauritius, as a "full" democracy, though it uses tough criteria that count countries like much-praised Botswana as "flawed" democracies.

The Economist

However these grants are hard to get a hold of, there's alot of competition and a tough criteria to meet.

TechCrunch

A tough criteria, but amazingly 13 companies made the cut, including four retailers, two health care firms and two construction services firms.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tough criterion", ensure the context clearly defines who or what is facing the challenging requirement. Specify the area or process to which the criterion applies for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "tough criterion" without clearly defining the area it applies to. Vague references can lead to misunderstandings about which specific requirements are challenging. For example, specify "tough lending criterion" rather than just "tough criterion" if discussing mortgages.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough criterion" functions primarily as a descriptor, modifying a noun to indicate a demanding or challenging standard. Ludwig AI supports this usage, presenting it in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tough criterion" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a challenging or demanding standard. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in various reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, particularly within news, science, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the specific area to which the criterion applies. Alternatives like "stringent requirement" or "demanding standard" can be used to express similar meanings, depending on the desired nuance. While versatile, clarity and precision in usage will ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stringent requirement

Emphasizes the strictness and necessity of meeting a specific demand.

demanding standard

Highlights the difficulty and high expectations associated with the standard.

rigorous qualification

Focuses on the thorough and exacting nature of the qualifying process.

strict condition

Underscores the firmness and inflexibility of the condition.

challenging prerequisite

Indicates that the prerequisite is difficult to fulfill.

arduous benchmark

Highlights the steep challenge presented by the benchmark.

severe guideline

Suggests that the guideline is harsh and uncompromising.

exacting specification

Focuses on the precise and detailed nature of the specification.

difficult prerequisite

Simply states the prerequisite is not easy to meet.

onerous term

Implies the term is burdensome and difficult to comply with.

FAQs

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

You can use "tough criterion" to describe a demanding requirement. For example, "The scholarship has a "tough criterion" for eligibility" or "Meeting the "tough criterion" for parole proved difficult for many inmates".

What's a good substitute for "tough criterion"?

Alternatives to "tough criterion" include "stringent requirement", "demanding standard", or "rigorous qualification", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "tough criteria" or "tough criterion"?

"Tough criterion" is singular, referring to one standard. "Tough criteria" is plural, referring to multiple standards. Choose the form that matches the number of requirements you're describing.

What's the difference between "tough criterion" and "difficult criterion"?

While both describe a challenging standard, "tough criterion" implies a higher degree of strictness and uncompromising nature, whereas "difficult criterion" simply means it's not easy to meet.