tough issues

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tough issues" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to difficult or challenging problems that require careful consideration or resolution. Example: "The committee is currently addressing several tough issues that have arisen in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These are tough issues.

The New York Times

make progress on tough issues.

The New York Times

But tough issues remain.

The New York Times

But these are tough issues.

The Guardian

Other tough issues also remain.

The New York Times

"These are tough, tough issues," he said.

The New York Times

She doesn't shy away from tough issues.

Columbia University

On tough issues like these, big breakthroughs are unlikely.

The New York Times

"We won't duck the tough issues; we will lead.

The New York Times

Mitt Romney and I will not duck the tough issues.

The New York Times

But there are some breaks from confronting tough issues.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about multiple "tough issues", consider grouping them by theme or category to present a more organized and coherent narrative.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on the phrase "tough issues" without providing context. Readers may struggle to grasp the full impact without further information. Enhance descriptions to illustrate why the "tough issues" are challenging. Provide specific examples to enhance the clarity and impact of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough issues" functions as a noun phrase typically used as the object of a verb or as a subject complement. It describes problems or situations that are challenging to deal with, often requiring significant effort or resources. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

9%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tough issues" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote challenging problems across various domains. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It functions as a noun phrase, is versatile in neutral to professional registers and calls attention to problems that are complicated and need attention. While widely applicable, it's crucial to provide context and specificity when using this phrase, because overuse and lack of context may reduce the reader's ability to grasp the full impact of the message. Alternatives include "difficult problems", "challenging situations", and "complex matters", offering nuanced ways to describe similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult problems

Emphasizes the problematic nature and the complexity in finding solutions.

challenging situations

Highlights the demanding aspect and the need for skillful handling.

complex matters

Focuses on the intricate and multifaceted nature of the issues.

thorny questions

Implies issues that are sensitive and likely to cause disagreement.

critical challenges

Stresses the importance and urgency of addressing the issues.

pressing concerns

Indicates issues that require immediate attention and action.

sensitive subjects

Suggests issues that are delicate and require careful handling.

intractable dilemmas

Emphasizes the seemingly unsolvable nature of the issues.

contentious topics

Highlights the potential for disagreement and conflict surrounding the issues.

delicate situations

Focuses on the fragility and sensitivity that the situation can present.

FAQs

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

You can use "tough issues" to describe challenging or problematic matters that require careful consideration. For example: "The government is grappling with "tough issues" related to healthcare reform."

What are some alternatives to "tough issues"?

Alternatives to "tough issues" include "difficult problems", "challenging situations", or "complex matters" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "tough issues" or "difficult issues"?

Both "tough issues" and "difficult issues" are acceptable. "Tough issues" often implies a sense of resilience or determination needed to address them, while "difficult issues" simply highlights the challenge or complexity.

What makes "tough issues" different from "sensitive subjects"?

"Tough issues" generally refers to problems that are hard to solve, while "sensitive subjects" are topics that require careful handling due to potential emotional or ethical concerns. The former focuses on difficulty in resolution, the latter on potential for causing offense or discomfort.