tough grind

USAGE SUMMARY

"tough grind" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a phrase to describe difficult and laborious work or a situation that requires a lot of effort and perseverance. For example, "It was a tough grind, but I eventually achieved my goal of finishing the marathon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"It's a tough grind," Lemieux said of the tournament.

The New York Times - Sports

The first 10km are a tough grind through narrow, winding rainforest roads.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Spain's was a tough grind to break down a Croatian side in Gdansk, until Jesus Navas scored the late winner.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a tough grind: without the safety net of an overarching storyline, these kind of narratives often feel frustratingly disjointed.

The Guardian - Film

It's been a tough grind... the spirit is good... Dwayne looks like he's back in form and that's a big deal for us.

The Guardian - Sport

Anyone looking for a neat summation of São Paulo life would struggle to beat the words of up-and-coming rapper Don L. "In São Paulo, every day is a Monday," he says, referencing the stressed-out, workaholic existence that makes living in Brazil's biggest city a tough grind.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"I see a tough, grind-it-out game where you don't want to turn the ball over and you wait for a break.

The New York Times - Sports

But Groh's masterstroke this week was simply to wonder: "Why not win big?" "The thought struck me during practice one day that I expected this would be a tough, grind-it-out type of game, the kind of game that going in looks like 21-17 GrohsaidGroh said.

The New York Times - Sports

When he resumed, his tack was more harmonically restive, and driven by tough, grinding rhythm.

The New York Times - Arts

Tough, grinding Pocono Raceway finally caught Mayfield today, then bit him hard.

The New York Times - Sports

They played tough, grinding rock ("You Are My Joy") and pop-punk ("Foreverandever Etc").

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tough grind" to describe a prolonged and difficult process requiring significant effort and perseverance. It is often used in contexts where the challenge is both physically and mentally demanding.

Common error

While "tough grind" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "arduous task" or "demanding endeavor" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough grind" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used to describe a challenging or laborious process. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tough grind" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a difficult and prolonged task. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's suitable for general use, particularly in news and media contexts. While the phrase effectively conveys the sense of a laborious process, more formal synonyms like "arduous task" or "demanding process" might be preferable in academic or business writing. Remember to use "tough grind" when you want to emphasize the effort, perseverance, and endurance required to overcome a challenging situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arduous task

Replaces 'tough grind' with a more formal and concise description of a difficult task.

grueling ordeal

Emphasizes the exhausting and challenging nature of the experience, making it sound more intense.

challenging endeavor

Replaces the negative connotation of 'grind' with a more neutral term suggesting a difficult but potentially rewarding effort.

laborious undertaking

Highlights the extensive effort and work required, focusing on the active process involved.

demanding process

Focuses on the high demands and requirements of the task, emphasizing its difficulty.

difficult struggle

Emphasizes the act of striving against obstacles and hardship.

taxing effort

Highlights the draining effect of the effort, suggesting it requires significant resources.

strenuous activity

Focuses on the physical or mental exertion required, making it suitable for describing physical labor or intense mental work.

rigorous exercise

Suggests the process is strict and precise, demanding careful execution and attention to detail. More adequate in specialized context.

heavy lift

An informal alternative that suggests a task requiring significant effort.

FAQs

What does the phrase "tough grind" mean?

The phrase "tough grind" describes a difficult and laborious task or situation that requires a lot of effort and perseverance over a sustained period.

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

You can use "tough grind" to describe experiences such as: "The marathon was a "tough grind", but I finished it." or "Starting a business is often a "tough grind"."

What are some synonyms for "tough grind"?

Alternatives to "tough grind" include "arduous task", "grueling ordeal", or "challenging endeavor", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "tough grind" appropriate for formal writing?

While "tough grind" is widely understood, it may be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "demanding process" or "laborious undertaking".