tough proposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tough proposition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or idea that is difficult to accept, deal with, or accomplish. Example: "Convincing the board to approve the new budget is a tough proposition given the current financial climate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Under the circumstances, cutting costs is a tough proposition.

The New York Times

"That will be a tough proposition," Bertrand said.

Independent

"In a down economy, that is a pretty tough proposition".

The New York Times

The numbers make that look like a tough proposition.

The Guardian

Hitting in general has been a tough proposition for the Mariners.

The New York Times - Sports

That would be a tough proposition because of the teachers' union's considerable influence in Albany.

The New York Times

The Jets will want to run, too, but that's a tough proposition if the Steelers' defense is healthy.

The New York Times

True independent filmmaking has always been a tough proposition in the marketplace, let alone at the multiplex.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Mammals were, literally, a tougher proposition.

The Guardian - Opinion

The author's next two tormentors are a tougher proposition.

The Economist

Mr Salmond may find the second act a tougher proposition.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "tough proposition" with specific details to illustrate why a situation is difficult. For example, "Launching a new product in a saturated market is a tough proposition due to intense competition and high marketing costs."

Common error

While "tough proposition" is widely understood, reserve it for situations requiring a degree of formality. In casual conversation, consider using simpler alternatives like "difficult" or "challenging" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough proposition" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It characterizes a situation, task, or idea as challenging or difficult, as evidenced by Ludwig examples that use it to describe various obstacles and complexities. The field "aiResponseStatus" from Ludwig confirms that "tough proposition" is a common and grammatically correct English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tough proposition" is a common and grammatically sound English phrase used to describe a difficult or challenging situation. Ludwig's analysis, together with the "aiResponseStatus", confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, the phrase serves to convey the complexity and effort required to overcome obstacles. When writing, remember to use it in contexts where you want to emphasize the difficulty of a task, while being mindful of maintaining a suitable tone for your audience. Consider alternatives like "difficult challenge" or "hard task" in more informal settings to avoid overuse. The frequent usage of "tough proposition" across various reliable sources underscores its validity and significance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult challenge

Focuses on the challenging aspect, emphasizing the effort required.

hard task

Highlights the laboriousness and difficulty of the undertaking.

formidable obstacle

Emphasizes the significant barrier or impediment that needs to be overcome.

demanding undertaking

Stresses the high requirements and effort involved.

complex problem

Focuses on the intricate and multifaceted nature of the issue.

arduous endeavor

Emphasizes the strenuous and prolonged effort required.

unenviable situation

Highlights the undesirable or unpleasant nature of the circumstances.

thorny issue

Indicates a problem that is complex and difficult to resolve.

sticky wicket

An informal British idiom for a difficult situation.

tall order

Implies a task that is very difficult to achieve or fulfill.

FAQs

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

You can use "tough proposition" to describe a task, challenge, or situation that is difficult to deal with or achieve. For example, "Convincing investors in this economic climate is a "tough proposition"."

What are some synonyms for "tough proposition"?

Alternatives to "tough proposition" include "difficult challenge", "hard task", or "formidable obstacle", each carrying a slightly different nuance.

Is "tough proposition" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "tough proposition" is suitable for formal writing, especially in business or news contexts. However, be mindful of your audience and choose the most precise term to convey the specific challenge.

What makes "tough proposition" different from "difficult situation"?

"Tough proposition" often implies a specific plan or goal that faces significant obstacles, whereas "difficult situation" is a broader term that describes any problematic set of circumstances.