tough decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tough decision" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example: "I have to make a tough decision about whether to take the job offer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a tough decision.

The New Yorker

Tough decision, tough to say.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a tough decision.

The New York Times - Arts

"It wasn't a tough decision".

The New York Times - Sports

Winner: A tough decision.

The Guardian - Film

"That's a tough decision," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a tough decision, he said.

The New York Times

"It's a tough decision," Bike said.

The New York Times - Sports

This is a really tough decision.

The New York Times

"It's a tough decision," Brendan says.

The New Yorker

"That was a very tough decision.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "tough decision", provide context about what makes it difficult. Specify the conflicting factors, potential consequences, or emotional weight involved to give readers a deeper understanding.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that a decision is a "tough decision" without explaining why. This lacks impact and doesn't provide readers with enough information. Detail the competing interests, risks, or uncertainties involved to make the difficulty more apparent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough decision" functions as a noun phrase where "tough" modifies the noun "decision". It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, describing a choice that is difficult to make. As Ludwig AI shows, this expression is commonly used across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sports

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tough decision" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a difficult choice. As evidenced by the Ludwig AI, it's used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Sports reporting. While "tough decision" is widely accepted, providing context about the specific challenges involved enhances clarity. Alternatives like "difficult choice" or "challenging decision" can add variety, but the core meaning remains consistent. Remember to avoid overuse without explanation and to highlight the specific reasons why a decision is considered a "tough decision".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult choice

Emphasizes the element of choosing between options, similar to "tough decision".

hard choice

Synonymous with "tough decision", highlighting the difficulty involved.

challenging decision

Replaces "tough" with "challenging", focusing on the demanding nature of the decision.

complex decision

Indicates that the decision involves many factors and is not straightforward.

serious decision

Highlights the gravity and potential consequences of the decision.

critical decision

Emphasizes the importance of the decision's outcome.

momentous decision

Suggests the decision is highly significant and will have lasting effects.

weighty decision

Implies the decision carries considerable responsibility or potential impact.

delicate decision

Indicates the decision requires careful handling to avoid negative consequences.

unenviable choice

Highlights that the decision is undesirable or unpleasant to make.

FAQs

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

You can use "tough decision" to describe a difficult choice. For example: "Choosing between two job offers was a "tough decision"." or "The board faces a "tough decision" regarding the company's future.".

What are some synonyms for "tough decision"?

Alternatives for "tough decision" include phrases like "difficult choice", "hard choice", or "challenging decision", which all convey the idea of a difficult or complex decision-making process.

Is it better to say "tough decision" or "difficult decision"?

Both "tough decision" and "difficult decision" are correct and widely used. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. "Tough" might imply a more emotionally taxing or challenging decision.

What makes a decision qualify as a "tough decision"?

A decision qualifies as a "tough decision" when it involves conflicting factors, significant risks, emotional weight, or uncertainty about the outcome. These elements make the decision-making process challenging and require careful consideration.