tough reading

USAGE SUMMARY

"tough reading" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is difficult to read or understand. For example, "The passage on quantum physics was tough reading for me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It makes for tough reading.

The New York Times

That's some tough reading.

The Guardian - Film

These two long, convoluted sentences, one after the other, make for awfully tough reading.

The New York Times

The blog could make for especially tough reading for Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras.

The Guardian

Those numbers make tough reading, however kind the winner was to the loser.

The Guardian - Sport

But it makes tough reading for channels like BBC4 - surely a contender next year - More4 and Channel Five.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"We're a tough read this year," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

NO. 14 OAKLAND The Panthers are a tough read.

The New York Times

"I think it was just a tough read for him".

The New York Times - Sports

This guy is a tough read, though — he's like Jessica Simpson.

The New Yorker

I would recommend All Wrapped Up to anyone that doesn't want a tough read.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a piece of writing as "tough reading", be specific about why it is difficult. Is it the complex language, the subject matter, or the sheer volume of information?

Common error

Avoid using "tough reading" as a generic complaint. Instead of simply stating that something is "tough reading", provide details about what makes it so. For instance, mention the density of the information, the complexity of the arguments, or the unfamiliar terminology.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough reading" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the characteristic of a text or material, indicating its level of difficulty and demanding nature as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tough reading" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe material that is difficult to understand. As verified by Ludwig AI, it functions as an adjective phrase, primarily used to inform the audience about the level of effort required for comprehension. While frequently found in news and media, its neutral tone makes it suitable for various contexts. To enhance clarity in writing, specify the reasons behind the difficulty, such as complex language or dense information. Consider using alternative phrases like "challenging read" or "difficult read" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging read

Replaces "tough" with "challenging", maintaining the sense of difficulty.

difficult read

Substitutes "tough" for "difficult", directly indicating the level of effort required.

arduous reading

Uses "arduous" to emphasize the demanding nature of the reading material.

complex reading

Highlights the intricate and potentially confusing aspects of the text.

demanding reading

Focuses on the high level of cognitive effort the reading requires.

heavy-going reading

Emphasizes the slow and labored progress one might experience while reading.

taxing reading

Implies that the reading is mentally exhausting or draining.

impenetrable prose

Shifts the focus to the writing style itself, suggesting it's hard to grasp.

dense material

Highlights the concentration of information, making it difficult to digest.

formidable text

Conveys that the reading presents a significant intellectual challenge.

FAQs

How can I make "tough reading" easier to understand?

Break down the material into smaller chunks, take notes, and consult additional resources. Consider using techniques like summarizing each paragraph or outlining the main arguments. Don't hesitate to look up unfamiliar terms or concepts.

What are some alternatives to saying "tough reading"?

You can use alternatives like "challenging read", "difficult read", or "demanding reading" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to describe something as "tough reading"?

Not necessarily. While it usually implies difficulty, it can also suggest that the material is intellectually stimulating or rewarding, even if it requires effort to understand.

What kind of texts are often described as "tough reading"?

Texts often described as "tough reading" include academic papers, philosophical treatises, legal documents, technical manuals, and complex novels. These texts may be dense, abstract, or require specialized knowledge.