tough existence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tough existence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a difficult or challenging life experience or situation. For example: "The pandemic has made life hard for many people, leading to a tough existence for those struggling to make ends meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It's a tough existence".

The New York Times

It's no secret: the N.B.A. is a tough, tough existence".

The New York Times - Sports

What looked like a happy ending three years ago turned out to be a tough existence trapped inside not one, but two, grim houses before eventual escape.

The New York Times

"It would have been a very tough existence," says Angela Benn, of the National Oceanography Centre, at the University of Southampton.

The Guardian

"They were hard-working people, and they had a tough existence," said Mr. Sullivan, 95. "Most of the houses were in very poor condition, with the porch halfway broken down, and in need of paint".

The New York Times

The Karpis project "got me into the period," Mr. Mann said, "trying to understand the history, imagining the tough, tough existence of these guys being pressed on both sides by twin evolutionary forces — on the one hand, J. Edgar Hoover inventing the F.B.I., and on the other, organized crime evolving rapidly into a kind of corporate capitalism" that had no room for independent criminals either.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Many of the residents left their families behind in the countryside to make a living in Nairobi, the capital, only to find a far tougher existence than they ever imagined.

The New York Times

The film is an almost wordless account of a tough, hardscrabble existence.

The Guardian - Film

"Their faces and posture out of drag reflect their tough, exhausting existences, but then they become these lovely, funny, sexy people once they go onstage," Mr. Fierstein said.

The New York Times

While it seems idyllic at first – with its backdrop of the Black Mountains and the Welsh borders and traditional scenes of village life such as church fetes selling homemade cakes, a much tougher rural existence is exposed.

The Guardian

From early on the going was tough, but our existence until this week was never in doubt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tough existence", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. It's effective for emphasizing the overall difficulty and struggle in someone's life, especially when discussing resilience or overcoming adversity.

Common error

Avoid using "tough existence" in casual or lighthearted conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly dramatic or formal in informal settings. Choose a more colloquial phrase like "hard life" or "difficult time" for everyday speech.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough existence" functions as a noun phrase where "tough" modifies "existence". It describes the quality or nature of someone's life or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tough existence" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, typically employed to describe a life or situation characterized by hardship and struggle. While not overly common, it's frequently found in news and media contexts, lending a neutral tone to descriptions of challenging circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of this phrase, suggesting it is well-suited for conveying empathy or highlighting adversity. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "hard life", "difficult circumstances", or "life of hardship" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

life of hardship

Directly describes a life filled with difficulties and suffering.

life of adversity

Highlights the constant challenges and obstacles one faces.

difficult life

Focuses on the overall difficulty of life without necessarily implying struggle.

hard life

Emphasizes the lack of ease and comfort in someone's life.

challenging circumstances

Highlights the difficult conditions one faces.

arduous lifestyle

Highlights the demanding and strenuous nature of one's daily life.

precarious situation

Suggests a state of instability and uncertainty.

grim reality

Implies a harsh and unpleasant truth about someone's life.

trying times

Focuses on the period of difficulty rather than the overall state of existence.

struggling to survive

Focuses on the act of trying to stay alive or maintain a basic standard of living.

FAQs

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

You can use "tough existence" to describe a life filled with hardship and struggle, such as, "The refugees faced a "tough existence" in the overcrowded camp".

What's the difference between "tough existence" and "difficult life"?

"Tough existence" emphasizes the struggle and hardship inherent in the life, while "difficult life" (/s/difficult+life) simply indicates that the life is not easy or comfortable. The former suggests a more active and ongoing battle against adversity.

What can I say instead of "tough existence"?

You can use alternatives like "hard life", "life of hardship", or "challenging circumstances" depending on the context.

Is "tough existence" formal or informal?

"Tough existence" leans towards a more formal register. In casual conversation, consider using simpler alternatives like "hard time" or "difficult situation".