tough determination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tough determination" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used to describe a strong resolve or commitment in a challenging situation, but it may require additional context for clarity. Example: "Her tough determination to succeed despite the obstacles inspired everyone around her."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

She is passionate, impetuous and confident, with a tough determination to grab the brass ring that has been presented to her.

The Guardian - Film

It's hard to tell her sullen timidity at the beginning from her tough determination at the end, nor is it clear what is really at stake for her.

The New York Times

But Mr. Dowd's characters also embody a ravaged rural stoicism, a tough determination to survive, which contemporary country music has turned its back on with an embarrassed shudder.

The New York Times - Arts

He embraced a tough determination that believed in American democracy far more than those who sought to deny Negroes their basic human rights.

Huffington Post

Generally the hero-teacher is a self-sacrificing Christ figure, willing the culturally deprived (read: poor) students to come out of the ghetto with her deep empathy and tough determination.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It's 2,300 pages that affect every facet of the financial services industry," said Justin Daly, a former counsel at the S.E.C. "If you look at a lot of the important provisions, Congress delegates authority to the agencies to make the really tough determinations.

The New York Times

According to Brountas, the toughest determination is placed on non-management investors such as venture capitalists or angel investors who hold more than 10% of shares.

Forbes

As president, he has also talked tough about his determination to work multilaterally to prevent further nuclear weapons proliferation.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's tough because the determination of whether you are successful or not is so concentrated into a short period of time".

The New York Times - Sports

"To this end, the IAAF, Wada, the member federations and athletes need to look closely at ourselves, our cultures and our processes to identify where failures exist and be tough in our determination to fix them and rebuild trust in our sport.

The Guardian - Sport

I know that shaking the legacy of penury and struggle in childhood is a tough call, requiring determination and resilience, and both are hard to dredge up if you are suffering from depression – so do please go to a GP and get yourself a diagnosis.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone facing significant adversity, using "tough determination" can effectively highlight their resilience. However, consider stronger alternatives like "unyielding commitment" or "resolute spirit" for greater impact.

Common error

Avoid using "tough determination" as a generic descriptor. Instead, provide context to show how this determination manifests. For example, instead of saying "She showed tough determination", specify: "Despite setbacks, she showed "tough determination" by consistently revising her strategy and seeking mentorship."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough determination" functions as a noun phrase where "tough" modifies "determination", emphasizing the strength and resilience of the resolve. Ludwig indicates that while acceptable, there are more impactful alternatives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tough determination" is an acceptable phrase to describe a strong and persistent will, particularly in challenging situations. However, Ludwig suggests that stronger alternatives like "strong resolve" or "unyielding commitment" might be more impactful. While grammatically correct, contextual awareness and audience formality should guide the choice of phrase. It is most frequently found in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong resolve

Emphasizes the firmness and strength of one's decision or intention.

unyielding commitment

Highlights the unwavering nature of one's dedication to a cause or goal.

firm perseverance

Focuses on the steadfast continuation despite challenges or obstacles.

relentless tenacity

Underscores the persistent and unyielding effort in pursuing a goal.

resolute spirit

Highlights the unwavering and determined mindset.

dogged persistence

Implies a stubborn and unwavering continuation despite difficulties.

steeled resolve

Suggests a strengthening or hardening of one's determination.

unshakable conviction

Focuses on the firm belief and unwavering faith in one's principles.

determined resilience

Highlights the ability to recover quickly from difficulties with a strong sense of purpose.

tenacious spirit

Emphasizes a persistent and determined attitude.

FAQs

What does "tough determination" mean?

The phrase "tough determination" refers to a strong and unwavering resolve to achieve a goal, particularly in the face of significant challenges or difficulties. It implies a persistent and resilient attitude.

What can I say instead of "tough determination"?

You can use alternatives like "strong resolve", "firm perseverance", or "unyielding commitment" depending on the context.

How to use "tough determination" in a sentence?

Example: "The athlete's "tough determination" propelled her to victory despite a serious injury." You can also say: "She showed "tough determination" in the face of adversity."

Is "tough determination" formal or informal?

The phrase "tough determination" is generally considered neutral, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, for a more impactful tone in formal settings, consider using "unwavering commitment" or "resolute spirit".