tough out

USAGE SUMMARY

"tough out" is a correct and usable phrase in English.
It means to endure or keep going when faced with difficulty or hardship, and is typically used when referring to difficult situations that require endurance. For example: "We just have to tough it out and keep working until the project is finished."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was a tough out".

The New York Times - Books

"He's a tough out, anyway.

The New York Times - Sports

I tried to tough out my situation.

The New York Times

He wanted to tough out his original plan.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's tough out here.

Los Angeles Times

Many people will try to "tough out" symptoms.

WikiHow

It's tough out there.

The New York Times - Sports

It is tough out there.

Independent

It's really tough out there.

Harvard Business Review

"It was really tough out there.

The New York Times - Sports

"He's a tough out, always".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tough out" when you want to emphasize resilience and determination in overcoming a challenge, especially when the situation requires enduring discomfort or difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "tough out" in situations where a proactive solution is possible. This phrase implies passive endurance, which may not be appropriate if active intervention can improve the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough out" functions primarily as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating the act of enduring or persevering through a difficult situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct. This is supported by examples where it describes weathering hardships.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tough out" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of enduring or persevering through a challenging situation. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is a valid English expression. While its register is considered neutral, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Wiki. When aiming for a more formal tone, consider synonyms such as "persevere" or "endure". Understanding the connotation is critical; use it when emphasizing resilience, but avoid it when proactive solutions are available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persevere

This single-word alternative emphasizes continued effort despite obstacles.

endure

This emphasizes the ability to withstand hardship.

weather the storm

This idiomatic phrase suggests navigating through a turbulent period.

ride it out

This implies passively enduring a difficult situation until it passes.

stick it out

This emphasizes commitment to remaining in a challenging situation.

hang in there

This is an encouraging phrase to remain strong during difficulties.

bear with it

This suggests tolerating something unpleasant with patience.

grin and bear it

This implies accepting hardship with stoicism.

bite the bullet

This suggests facing a difficult situation with courage and resolve.

stand firm

This suggests remaining resolute and unwavering in the face of adversity.

FAQs

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

You can use "tough out" to describe enduring a difficult period, as in "We need to "tough out" this economic downturn" or "He decided to "tough out" the injury and finish the game".

What's a more formal alternative to "tough out"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "persevere", "endure", or "withstand", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "tough it through" instead of "tough it out"?

While both phrases convey a similar idea, "tough it out" is the more common and idiomatic expression. "tough it through" is less frequently used.

What does it mean when someone is described as a "tough out"?

In sports, describing someone as a ""tough out"" means they are difficult to defeat or eliminate. They are resilient and determined, making them a challenging opponent.