tough like

USAGE SUMMARY

"tough like" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is difficult, and is often used in comparison to illustrate the difficulty of a situation. For example, "Running a marathon is tough like no other physical challenge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He said the introduction of a digital services tax showed the government was taking action to tackle tax avoidance rather than just "talking tough" like Labour.

The Guardian

It talked tough like a martini.

The New York Times - Style

She was tough, like Yorkshire people are.

The Guardian

He always was tough like that.

The New York Times - Sports

And I wished I had been tough like him.

The Guardian

Me: Monkfish without it being tough like lobster?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I can't tell them to be tough like me.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

I gathered a group of tough, like-minded Spartan virgins and we began our training program.

Huffington Post

He's voice is so tough-like.

Huffington Post

Tough but like butter".

The New York Times

Then, continue with more tough songs, "like Are You Gonna Go My Way".

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tough like" to draw a direct comparison, ensuring the comparison is clear and relatable to your audience. For example, "His determination was tough like steel."

Common error

Avoid overusing "tough like" in contexts where a simpler adjective would suffice. For example, instead of saying "The exam was tough like climbing a mountain", consider "The exam was challenging" for a more concise statement.

Linguistic Context

"Tough like" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It draws a direct comparison to something known for its toughness. As Ludwig AI states, it is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English, employed to describe difficulty, often for illustrative purposes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tough like" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative adjective phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English, and this analysis reveals its prevalence across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it maintains a neutral register, its usage is versatile, serving to emphasize qualities through relatable comparisons. To ensure clarity and impact, direct comparisons are recommended, while overuse in contexts calling for simpler adjectives should be avoided. Overall, "tough like" is a valuable tool for descriptive writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as strong as

Highlights the power and forcefulness of something.

as durable as

Focuses on the lasting quality and resistance to damage of something.

as resilient as

Focuses more on the aspect of resilience or ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

hardened like

Emphasizes the process of becoming tough, suggesting a transformation over time.

unyielding as

Highlights the inflexibility and firmness of something.

as firm as

Emphasizes the solidness and lack of give in something.

sturdy as

Suggests robustness and the ability to withstand wear and tear.

as robust as

Indicates health, vigor, and the ability to thrive under harsh conditions.

as impenetrable as

Highlights the inability to be entered or passed through, either physically or metaphorically.

as vigorous as

Implies energy, activity, and a dynamic form of toughness.

FAQs

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

You can use "tough like" to draw a comparison, such as "She was "tough", like Yorkshire people are" or "The next game will be "tough" like this one" to emphasize the degree of difficulty or resilience.

What are some alternatives to "tough like"?

Some alternatives include "as resilient as", "hardened like", or "as "strong as"", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "tough like" grammatically correct?

Yes, "tough like" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to make comparisons, especially in informal contexts.

What is the difference between "tough like" and "as tough as"?

"Tough like" is generally more informal, while "as tough as" is slightly more formal and grammatically standard. Both are used for comparisons.