tough point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tough point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a difficult or challenging aspect of a discussion or argument. Example: "During the meeting, she raised a tough point about the project's feasibility that we need to address."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It's a tough point for me to come here and jump again and again".

The New York Times - Sports

But, unfortunately, they also drag the production down with a number of clichés and caricatures that soften and undermine Doctorow's unsentimental, loving but tough point of view.

The New Yorker

He praised Mr. Monahan for maintaining his book's tough point of view, but betrayal and deceit are subjects with which Mr. Monahan was already fascinated.

The New York Times

"Everything in life is timing, and our team was at a tough point, in the years after the fight," said the Pacers' owner, Herb Simon, referring to the November 2004 brawl with the Detroit Pistons in Auburn Hills, Mich., that turned Walsh's Pacers, his pride and joy and continuous playoff contender, into a veritable N.B.A. pariah.

The New York Times - Sports

Bristol Rovers manager Darrell Clarke told BBC Radio Bristol: "It was a tough point.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

You have to be able to play the tough points.

Independent

"I fought through the tough points and got breaks in the second, third and fourth sets.

The New York Times - Sports

The Wolverines came in as underdogs and earned three tough points in hostile territory.

The New York Times

The role of the ECJ will be one of the first tough points that British negotiators will have to confront.

The Guardian

But also, with that being said, it really got me through a lot of tough points that I knew I needed to win".

The New York Times - Sports

Scottish Conservative justice spokeswoman Margaret Mitchell said the country's courts had "never had it so tough", pointing the finger of blame at the SNP.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tough point", ensure the context clearly indicates the difficulty or challenge being addressed. Providing specific details can enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "tough point" in extremely casual conversations where simpler language would suffice. In such scenarios, alternatives like "hard part" or "challenge" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough point" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific issue or consideration that is difficult or challenging, a conclusion supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tough point" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to refer to a challenging or difficult aspect within a discussion or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is straightforward and generally accepted. While it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, it's also applicable in sports and more formal business settings. When using this phrase, clarity is key, so ensure the context makes the nature of the difficulty apparent. Although versatile, avoid overuse in casual settings where simpler language might be more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging aspect

Replaces "tough" with "challenging", focusing on the difficulty involved.

difficult issue

Substitutes "tough point" with a broader term indicating a problem or concern.

problematic area

Highlights the troublesome nature of a specific aspect or subject.

tricky matter

Indicates a situation or topic requiring careful handling.

demanding element

Emphasizes the rigor and effort needed to address a particular part.

complex question

Focuses on the intricate nature of a query or subject.

thorny issue

Suggests a problem that is difficult to resolve and may cause conflict.

delicate situation

Implies a need for careful handling to avoid negative consequences.

knotty problem

Highlights the complicated and intricate nature of a problem.

vexing question

Indicates a question that is causing annoyance, frustration, or worry.

FAQs

What does "tough point" mean?

A "tough point" refers to a difficult, challenging, or problematic aspect within a discussion, argument, or situation. It indicates a subject that requires careful consideration and effort to address.

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

You might say, "The negotiator raised a "tough point" about the financial implications of the agreement" or "Addressing this "tough point" is crucial for the project's success."

What are some alternatives to "tough point"?

Alternatives include "difficult issue", "challenging aspect", or "problematic area", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "tough point" formal or informal?

"Tough point" is generally suitable for neutral to professional contexts. It is less formal than "critical juncture" but more so than simple slang. Its acceptability often depends on the audience and setting.