tough effort

USAGE SUMMARY

"tough effort" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a difficult task that took a considerable amount of effort to complete. For example, "Alice put in a tough effort to finish the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It was a tough effort for me.

The New York Times - Sports

Castleford coach Daryl Powell said: "It was a tough effort and defensively we were superb.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

So things like passing the RICO type laws, strengthening the laws through laws through the Internal Revenue Service to go after the profits of organized crime, and a much tougher effort by the F.B.I. and other federal enforcement agencies in conjunction with state and local law enforcement have now substantially diminished but not eliminated the influence of organized crime in the United States.

The New York Times

He soon found that the city's bureaucracy was hostile to making a tough enforcement effort.

The New York Times

On a concrete wall in Oporto, Portugal, where a tough austerity effort has hit hard, a somber graffiti mural depicts a submarine in a nose dive.

The New York Times

"La Rosée blanche" is also overshadowed by the heavy death-toll of the 1914-18 warelationshipstionships are tough: the effort involved in scratching a meagre living from unco-operative soil leaves little room for feelings.

The Economist

He said he did not believe the movie association's decision was politically motivated, but he added that "there has been a tough political effort to keep this film from being viewed".

The New York Times

It suggests instead that poor coordination between lawmakers and the White House, or indifference from President Barack Obama's team, made a tough legislative effort nearly impossible.

Science Magazine

WASHINGTON — Election years always bring with them tough balancing efforts for presidential candidates trying to stay on the good side of powerful constituencies.

The New York Times

Greece's Finance Ministry said on Monday that S.& P.'s move overlooked the government's commitment to tough fiscal efforts to repair public finances and remain a member of the 17-member euro currency group, according to Reuters.

The New York Times

He noted that during the 1990s, fears of violent crime associated with the crack epidemic and sharp increases in homicide helped tough sentencing efforts like Project Exile win public support.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of your writing. While "tough effort" is suitable for many contexts, alternatives like "strenuous attempt" or "arduous endeavor" might be more appropriate for formal or academic writing.

Common error

Avoid using "tough effort" in extremely casual conversation; it can sound overly formal. Simpler phrases like "hard work" or "it was rough" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough effort" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "tough" modifies the noun "effort". Ludwig confirms it as a valid phrase. It describes a specific instance of exertion or an attempt to overcome a challenge.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tough effort" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a challenging undertaking that requires significant exertion. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not exceedingly common, it appears mainly in news and media. When using "tough effort", consider its neutral register and whether synonyms might better fit the tone of your writing. Remember, it highlights a specific instance of overcoming difficulty. While not a frequent phrase, its proper use adds clarity and impact to descriptions of demanding tasks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strenuous attempt

Emphasizes the energy and exertion involved.

arduous endeavor

Highlights the difficulty and challenge of the undertaking.

challenging undertaking

Focuses on the demanding nature of the task.

demanding work

Emphasizes the high requirements of the task.

difficult task

General term for a hard undertaking.

laborious task

Focuses on the amount of work required.

formidable challenge

Highlights the size and difficulty of the challenge.

intense struggle

Emphasizes the fighting or competitive nature of the effort.

serious attempt

Focuses on the earnestness and importance of the try.

significant undertaking

Highlights the weight and importance of the effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "tough effort" to describe a situation where considerable difficulty was overcome through dedicated work. For example, "It was a "tough effort" for me to complete the marathon, but I'm glad I did it".

What can I say instead of "tough effort"?

You can use alternatives like "strenuous attempt", "arduous endeavor", or "challenging undertaking" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "tough effort" and "hard work"?

"Tough effort" often implies a single, specific instance of overcoming a challenge, while "hard work" can refer to ongoing dedication and effort over time. Both phrases describe diligence and effort, but "tough effort" may emphasize the difficulty of a particular instance.

Is "tough effort" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "tough effort" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing specific instances of overcoming challenges. However, consider alternatives like "strenuous attempt" or "arduous endeavor" for an even more elevated tone.