tough demand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tough demand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a difficult or challenging request or requirement. Here is an example sentence: "The project was already behind schedule, but the client's tough demands for perfection made it even harder to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Instead, the United States sent a tough demand on Al Qaeda.

The New York Times

One rule teenagers must follow while on this ice is no swearing -- a tough demand when things get heated.

The New York Times - Magazine

Charles Marsh concludes ("Wayward Christian Soldiers"), "The Hebrew prophets might call us to repentance, but repentance is a tough demand for a people utterly convinced of their righteousness".

The New York Times

When CBS and Viacom merged, Mr. Karmazin said he would not advocate keeping UPN in business if it did not become profitable in relatively short order -- a tough demand that was not met.

The New York Times

CIWEM say thousands of farms need to be visited and surveyed to see where micro-schemes can be placed to protect catchments – a tough demand when Defra and the Environment Agency are shedding staff.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The administration has hung tough, demanding real reform in exchange for dollars.

The New York Times

It's going to be tough, demanding but also enjoyable at the same time," Grayson said.

Independent

The mistake resulted in his disastrous marriage to Syrie Barnardo, a tough, demanding woman.

The New York Times - Books

Is Ms. Moskowitz "abrasive," or is she tough, demanding and a stickler for detail?

The New York Times

"I think we've got great general officers that are meeting tough demands," he insisted.

The New York Times

The Kurdish parties are back as kingmakers but have a long list of tough demands still to be met.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "tough demand", ensure the context clearly establishes who is making the demand and what makes it difficult to fulfill.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the word "tough" in formal contexts. While "tough demand" is acceptable, consider alternatives like "stringent requirement" or "exacting request" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough demand" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "tough" modifies the noun "demand". It describes a specific type of demand characterized by its difficulty or challenging nature. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tough demand" is a grammatically sound and understandable expression used to describe a request or requirement that is difficult to meet. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in various contexts. While relatively rare in occurrence, primarily appearing in News & Media, it effectively conveys a sense of challenge and high expectations. When using "tough demand", consider alternative phrases like "stringent requirement" or "exacting request" for increased formality or to avoid overuse of the word "tough". Understanding its function, purpose and typical contexts will contribute to more effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stringent requirement

This alternative uses synonyms with similar connotations of strictness and difficulty.

exacting request

Replaces "tough" with "exacting", emphasizing the high standards involved.

harsh condition

Similar to 'tough demand' but conveys a stronger sense of severity.

difficult stipulation

Uses "stipulation" to highlight the conditional nature of the demand, while "difficult" maintains the sense of challenge.

challenging requirement

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the requirement.

demanding provision

Uses 'demanding' as an adjective to describe a condition that is difficult to fulfill.

strict condition

Focuses on the uncompromising nature of the requirement.

rigid specification

Focuses on the inflexibility and precision needed to meet the demand.

onerous burden

Shifts the focus to the demanding effort needed to fulfill the demand.

severe mandate

Highlights the authoritative and uncompromising nature of the request.

FAQs

What does "tough demand" mean?

A "tough demand" refers to a request or requirement that is difficult to meet or satisfy due to its challenging nature, high standards, or strict conditions.

What can I say instead of "tough demand"?

You can use alternatives like "stringent requirement", "exacting request", or "difficult stipulation" depending on the context.

Is "tough demand" formal or informal?

"Tough demand" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in various contexts, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in strictly professional or academic settings.

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

Example: "The company faced a "tough demand" from investors to increase profits by the end of the fiscal year."