tough relationships

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tough relationships" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe relationships that are difficult, challenging, or fraught with conflict. Example: "Navigating tough relationships can be emotionally draining, but it's essential for personal growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He, too, had been through a series of tough relationships and was coming out of a painful divorce.

Huffington Post

However, as we were culling through images, we did notice that fathers are often harshly depicted in art; perhaps this has to do with the artists' tough relationships with their dads?

Huffington Post

Talk to your friends, talk to your parents, talk to older siblings or cousins who've been through tough relationships before.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But he had a tough relationship with faculty and staff that he never overcame".

The New York Times - Sports

When dealing with tough relationship conversations, he told me, recording is helpful.

The New Yorker

"When I started coaching her," McKeever recalls, "I just thought, Here's someone who's had a tough relationship with the sport, in the sense that it gave her a lot of things, and then her body turned on her.

The New Yorker

"That was a really tough relationship: Ant and Dec, the stars of the show, were like 'stick at it boys!' But the senior people at ITV? 'Nah, we don't like you'".

The Guardian - Tech

He gave a hint of the pressures he was under when he talked at the end about the "tough" relationship with the US.

BBC

The mother-daughter prison duo seem to have always had a tough relationship.

Huffington Post

College Humor agrees that fans have had a tough relationship with "Star Wars," and offers one devotee some much-needed couples therapy.

Huffington Post

Their album mostly addresses themes about relationships: their most famous song "The Wire," is an extremely catchy tune about an apathetic breakup, and other tunes like "Falling" describe sticking through a tough relationship.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "tough relationships", be specific about the nature of the challenges involved, such as communication issues, conflicting values, or external stressors.

Common error

Avoid vague statements about "tough relationships" without providing context or examples. Instead, focus on the specific dynamics and challenges within the relationship to offer meaningful insights.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough relationships" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "tough" modifies "relationships". It describes the quality or nature of the relationships being discussed, indicating that they are difficult or challenging. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tough relationships" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to describe interpersonal connections characterized by challenges and difficulties. While Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct to use it, the context of the situation greatly helps in determining how you navigate this. The phrase is commonly found in news and media and Wiki sources. Alternative phrases like "challenging relationships" or "difficult relationships" can be used interchangeably depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to be specific about the challenges within the relationships rather than making broad, generalized statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging relationships

Replaces "tough" with "challenging", indicating difficulty but also potential for growth.

difficult relationships

Uses "difficult" instead of "tough", emphasizing the hardship involved.

strained relationships

Focuses on the tension and pressure within the relationship.

rocky relationships

Implies instability and conflict within the relationship.

tumultuous relationships

Highlights the intense and often chaotic nature of the relationship.

complicated relationships

Emphasizes the intricate and complex dynamics at play.

strenuous relationships

Indicates that the relationship requires significant effort and energy.

taxing relationships

Suggests the relationship is burdensome and emotionally draining.

demanding relationships

Highlights the high expectations and needs within the relationship.

arduous relationships

Implies a long and difficult journey to maintain the relationship.

FAQs

What are some other ways to say "tough relationships"?

You can use alternatives like "challenging relationships", "difficult relationships", or "strained relationships" depending on the context.

How can I navigate "tough relationships" effectively?

Focus on open communication, setting boundaries, and seeking professional help if needed. Understanding each other's perspectives is crucial for resolving conflicts and building a stronger connection.

What causes "tough relationships"?

Common causes include communication breakdowns, differing values, external stressors, unresolved conflicts, and lack of emotional support. Addressing these issues can help improve the relationship.

Is it always necessary to try and fix "tough relationships"?

Not always. Sometimes, despite best efforts, a relationship may be irreparably damaged. It's important to assess whether the relationship is causing more harm than good and to prioritize your well-being.