tough mood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tough mood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being that is serious, stern, or difficult, often in relation to emotions or atmosphere. Example: "After hearing the disappointing news, the team was in a tough mood, making it hard to focus on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"They are in a very tough mood.

The New York Times

The romantic development, on the other hand, "is perhaps meant to heighten the emotional intensity of his predicament but instead disrupts the film's tough mood with sentimental preposterousness".

The New York Times

Life expectancy for an aborigine is 21 years less than for a white Australian man.All this has opened up a tough mood in Canberra.

The Economist

Theresa May, the home secretary, added to the tough mood by saying she would pass new laws if necessary to stop judges blocking the deportation of foreign criminals.

The Guardian

Instead, Doug says he'll deal with Claire, but starts dating her, a development that is perhaps meant to heighten the emotional intensity of his predicament but instead disrupts the film's tough mood with sentimental preposterousness.

The New York Times

The Americans, in a very very tough mood, gave us a loan that we only paid off seven years ago on very very harsh terms.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Behind the increase is a national get-tough mood that has produced longer sentences for all criminals and the end of parole in many states.

The New York Times

The point, though, is that there is a tougher mood among Democrats on Capitol Hill now than there was in February and March.

The Guardian

French leaders appeared to be in a tougher mood, embracing a good-cop, bad-cop routine that has developed in concert with Germany on Brexit issues in recent months.

The Washington Post

A bad mood can be tough enough to break, but when you feel as if your entire life has hit a rough patch, it can be impossible to see the proverbial "bright side".

Huffington Post

As the straight man in a bad mood, Mr. Bartha has the toughest assignment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a collective sentiment, consider using "tough mood" to convey a sense of collective resolve or seriousness within a group.

Common error

Avoid using "tough mood" in casual conversation; it's more fitting for formal or serious scenarios. Opt for simpler terms like "bad mood" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough mood" functions as a descriptor, where "tough" modifies the noun "mood". This creates a sense of a strong, difficult, or unyielding emotional state. As supported by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

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 mood" is a grammatically sound descriptor used to convey a sense of determination or seriousness in an emotional or atmospheric context. Primarily found in news and media sources, according to Ludwig, it effectively communicates a challenging emotional state. While its frequency is uncommon, using "tough mood" can add depth to descriptions of situations requiring resilience. Alternatives like "stern disposition" or "grim atmosphere" offer nuanced variations for different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stern disposition

Replaces "tough mood" with a more formal and less direct expression, focusing on the person's character.

grim atmosphere

Shifts the focus from individual emotion to the overall environment or setting.

austere sentiment

Emphasizes the severity and lack of warmth in the feeling being conveyed.

difficult emotional state

Uses broader terms to describe a challenging psychological condition.

severe emotional climate

Analogizes the emotional state to weather, indicating harshness.

unpleasant emotional situation

Focuses more on the negative and disagreeable nature of the experience.

tense emotional landscape

Describing a landscape in terms of feelings provides a metaphorical representation of a strained emotional condition.

uncompromising emotional condition

Highlights the inflexibility and rigidity in the emotional presentation.

stony emotional state

Conveys the idea that someone is showing little to no emotion, akin to stone.

imposing emotional presence

Focuses on how the emotional state affects others through an impression of authority and severity.

FAQs

How can I describe a similar feeling to a "tough mood"?

You can use alternatives like "stern disposition", "grim atmosphere", or "austere sentiment", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "tough mood" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "tough mood" is generally appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing a serious or difficult situation. However, consider the specific audience and context to ensure it aligns with the desired tone.

What's the difference between "tough mood" and "bad mood"?

"Tough mood" suggests a more resilient or determined state of mind, often in response to adversity. A "bad mood" is more general and can refer to simple unhappiness or irritability.

How do I use "tough mood" in a sentence?

You can use "tough mood" to describe a state of mind or atmosphere, such as "The team was in a tough mood after the defeat" or "The new regulations created a tough mood among the workers".