tough discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tough discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a conversation or dialogue that involves difficult or sensitive topics. Example: "We need to have a tough discussion about the project's direction and the challenges we are facing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It's a tough discussion, but when it's over, it's over.

The New York Times - Magazine

He added: "Race is a tough discussion in this game.

The New York Times - Sports

Britain still hasn't had a tough discussion about the costs of Brexit — but Tuesday's move is unlikely to advance that conversation.

The Washington Post

"There was pretty tough discussion, we put the novels to the test … and, at the end, we were all very happy".

The Guardian - Books

Nill added that if Kessel had entered the draft for 2005, the Pittsburgh Penguins, who had the first selection over all, might have had a tough discussion.

The New York Times

If that is the consensus view, it will be a tough discussion to have, but it isn't something HEIs can decide unilaterally.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

A true value-add partnership is marked by freedom to share, discuss, opine, and have the tough discussions that lead to innovative growth.

HuffPost

"Because we had tough discussions," she said, there "was an element of symbolism about it".

The New York Times

Listen to radio in Kinyarwanda, and you know we are having tough discussions.

The New York Times - Magazine

Most urgently, he faces tough discussions on the European Union's next seven-year spending cycle.

The New York Times

We hope Mr. Obama is also having tough discussions with his own team.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "tough discussion", be prepared to address sensitive topics with empathy and respect. Acknowledge the difficulty and set a constructive tone from the outset.

Common error

Don't enter a "tough discussion" without preparation. Research relevant facts, anticipate counterarguments, and structure your points to facilitate a productive conversation. Otherwise, you risk derailing the discussion with inaccuracies or emotional reactions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough discussion" functions as a noun phrase where "tough" modifies the noun "discussion". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. The adjective "tough" indicates that the discussion involves difficult or sensitive topics.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

24%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tough discussion" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe conversations involving sensitive or difficult topics. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, from news and media to formal business settings. While alternatives like "difficult conversation" or "challenging debate" exist, the phrase effectively communicates the need for careful and empathetic handling of the subject matter. Remember to prepare thoroughly before engaging in a "tough discussion" to ensure a productive and well-informed exchange.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult conversation

Replaces "discussion" with "conversation", emphasizing the conversational aspect of the exchange.

hard conversation

Substitutes "tough" with "hard", which conveys a similar level of difficulty or unpleasantness.

difficult deliberation

Replaces "discussion" with "deliberation", emphasizing the need for careful and prolonged consideration.

challenging debate

Substitutes "tough" with "challenging" and "discussion" with "debate", highlighting the competitive and argumentative nature of the exchange.

contentious discussion

Emphasizes the presence of disagreement or dispute within the discussion.

serious deliberation

Emphasizes the weightiness and thoughtfulness of the discussion by using "serious" and "deliberation".

intense exchange

Focuses on the emotional energy involved in the discussion, suggesting a high level of engagement.

unpleasant exchange

Highlights the negative or uncomfortable aspect of the discussion.

frank dialogue

Highlights the honesty and directness of the discussion using "frank" and replaces "discussion" with "dialogue".

heated argument

Suggests a more aggressive and potentially emotional discussion.

FAQs

What does "tough discussion" mean?

A "tough discussion" refers to a conversation or dialogue that is difficult, sensitive, or challenging, often involving disagreement or uncomfortable topics.

What can I say instead of "tough discussion"?

You can use alternatives like "difficult conversation", "challenging debate", or "serious deliberation" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "tough discussion"?

It's appropriate to use "tough discussion" when you want to acknowledge that a conversation will involve sensitive or controversial topics that require careful handling.

Is "tough discussion" formal or informal?

The phrase "tough discussion" is appropriate for both formal and informal settings, although more formal alternatives like "serious deliberation" might be preferred in some professional contexts.