tough question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'tough question' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a difficult or challenging question. For example, "What is the square root of 336? That's a tough question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tough question.

Forbes

Such a tough question!

The New Yorker

It's a tough question.

The New York Times - Arts

That's a tough question.

The New York Times

"That's the tough question".

The New York Times

That is a tough question.

The New York Times

Why? That's a tough question.

The Economist

"And yeah, jeez, tough question.

The New York Times - Sports

"Oh, it's a tough question.

The Guardian - Sport

It's such a tough question.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's a tough question," he responds.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tough question" to acknowledge the complexity or difficulty of a query, signaling to the audience that a thoughtful response is required. This sets an appropriate tone for a considered answer.

Common error

Avoid using "tough question" simply as a stalling tactic or a way to evade answering directly. Ensure your response, even if delayed, addresses the core of the question to maintain credibility and respect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough question" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "tough" modifies the noun "question". Ludwig's examples demonstrate its role in acknowledging the difficulty or complexity of a query before attempting to answer it, signaling to the audience that a considered response is necessary. According to Ludwig AI the phrase is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tough question" is a commonly used expression to acknowledge the difficulty or complexity of a question. Grammatically sound and widely accepted, as confirmed by Ludwig, it serves to prepare the audience for a thoughtful or potentially delayed response. Usage is prevalent in News & Media, signaling the nuanced or challenging nature of the issues being discussed. While alternatives like "difficult question" or "complex issue" exist, "tough question" effectively conveys the need for careful consideration. Avoiding its misuse as a mere stalling tactic is crucial for maintaining credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hard one to answer

Focuses on the difficulty in formulating a response.

not an easy question

States the difficulty of the question in a more direct way.

difficult inquiry

Replaces "question" with a more formal synonym, "inquiry".

challenging query

Substitutes both words for alternatives suggesting a test of knowledge.

provocative question

Suggests the question is intended to stimulate discussion and debate.

demanding point

Emphasizes the intellectual rigor required to answer.

complex issue to address

Shifts the focus from a question to a broader issue requiring consideration.

a conundrum to consider

Highlights the puzzling nature of the question.

thorny problem

Uses a metaphor to describe the question as a source of potential trouble.

a real head-scratcher

Uses an informal idiom to describe a question that requires deep thought.

FAQs

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

You can use "tough question" to acknowledge the difficulty of a query before providing an answer. For example, "Deciding which strategy is best for long-term growth is a "tough question", requiring careful consideration of various market factors."

What are some alternatives to "tough question"?

Alternatives include "difficult question", "challenging question", or "complex issue", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever appropriate to avoid answering a "tough question" directly?

While acknowledging a question as a "tough question" is acceptable, complete avoidance can damage credibility. If a direct answer isn't possible, explain why or offer to address it later.

What makes a question a "tough question"?

A "tough question" typically requires significant thought, research, or a nuanced understanding of a complex topic. It might also involve ethical considerations or have no clear-cut answer.