tough looking

USAGE SUMMARY

"tough looking" is an acceptable and common phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an object that appears to be durable, or something that looks like it would require great effort to break. Example sentence: The walls of the castle were made of thick stone blocks, giving it a tough looking exterior.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It's been tough looking in the mirror".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's tough looking back at it," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

From the back the car looked sporty, but not tough looking or macho.

The New York Times - Travel

It was as tough looking as if she had taken a sledgehammer to a caryatid.

The New York Times

The singer was a tough looking bloke with really good clothes.

The Guardian - Books

Wales also face hosts England, Australia and Fiji in a tough looking Pool A schedule.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

KHAN YUNIS, Gaza — Tough-looking ambulance drivers in this central Gazan city are drawing images of their fears with crayons.

The New York Times

But, as Mullan says himself, he has got a tough-looking face.

The Guardian - Film

"This trapeze dress would look chic with a ballerina flat or ironic with a tough-looking ankle boot".

The New York Times

David Kellar, a tough-looking black recruit from Chicago, and got a scornful look in return.

The New York Times

Tough-looking trips to Cardiff and Everton now await, but James Ward-Prowse is confident they will soon come good.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person, be mindful of the connotations associated with "tough looking", as it can sometimes imply a negative or aggressive demeanor.

Common error

Avoid using "tough looking" when a more nuanced description is needed. The phrase can oversimplify a character or object, missing subtle qualities or complexities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough looking" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating a characteristic appearance of strength, resilience, or intimidation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered acceptable and common in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tough looking" is a commonly used and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe an appearance of strength or resilience. Ludwig AI validates its acceptability in written English. While its register is generally neutral, careful consideration should be given to its connotations, especially when describing people. Related phrases such as "rugged appearance" or "hardened exterior" can offer more nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. It is most frequently found in "News & Media" and "Wiki" sources, with a relatively high source quality score indicating reliable usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rugged appearance

Focuses more on the physical aspect of being rough or uneven.

hardened exterior

Suggests a surface that has become resistant to damage or influence.

intimidating presence

Highlights the effect of causing fear or respect due to power.

weather beaten

Focuses on the effects of exposure to the elements, making something look worn and resilient.

formidable aspect

Emphasizes the quality of inspiring fear or respect.

imposing figure

Stresses the characteristic of being grand and impressive in appearance.

unyielding facade

Implies a surface or appearance that is firm and resistant to pressure.

battle scarred

Highlights the marks or wounds from combat or hardship.

severe countenance

Refers to a face or expression that is stern or strict.

stony faced

Describes someone with an expressionless face.

FAQs

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

You can use "tough looking" to describe someone's appearance, such as "The bouncer was a "burly man" with a "tough looking" face", or an object, like "The car had "tough tires", giving it a "tough looking" appearance".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "tough looking"?

Some alternatives include "rugged appearance", "hardened exterior", or "intimidating presence", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "tough looking"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that someone or something appears strong, resilient, or perhaps intimidating. However, be mindful of the potential negative connotations associated with the term.

Is "tough looking" considered formal or informal language?

"Tough looking" is generally considered neutral to informal. It's acceptable in most casual conversations and writing, but may not be the most appropriate choice for highly formal or academic contexts, where more precise language might be preferred.