tough request

USAGE SUMMARY

The term 'tough request' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a request or demand that is difficult or challenging for someone to fulfill. For example: "My boss just gave me a tough request to finish the project in five days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Finding out if your home cable box is an open resolver, for instance, requires you to call your cable company and tell them that you do not want to be running an open resolver — a tough request when most of the world's population does not even know what an open resolver is.

The New York Times - Tech

Additional applicants would visit Fairchild for an in-person interview–a tough request since many applicants live out of state and, if hired, would make only $8.53 an hour.

Forbes

It's a tough request to stay ahead of.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The repeated references to "ambitious targets" make me think you're quite likely to be facing some tough requests, so this is a role probably best suited to the sort of person who would say, "climbing Everest isn't that hard really.

The Guardian

If you think you are taking on a tough load, request a prep period if your school allows it.

WikiHow

The prosecutor's office has brought tough charges, requesting a 10-year sentence for causing grievous bodily harm, her lawyer said on television on Friday.

The New York Times

And, though such dynamic markets provide greater profit potential, they also conceal greater risks, since competition is tougher and request and demand may vary significantly in the quest for maximum benefit.

Expert Systems with Applications

In total, the Choson Exchange WIB program has had more than 200 participants, about 65% of whom were female (we thought that asking for exclusively women would have been tough, so we requested a percentage instead).

The Guardian

The Department for Education (DfE) said schools were expected to take a "tough line" on requests to miss lessons.

BBC

A DfE spokeswoman said schools were expected to take a "tough line" on requests to miss lessons, as a few days off could leave youngsters struggling to catch up.

BBC

The calls heard in those commercials were made by actors or Mullen employees posing as customers, asking tough questions or making unusual requests.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "tough request", consider specifying what makes the request difficult. Adding details enhances clarity and provides context for the reader.

Common error

While "tough request" is acceptable, it can sound informal. In formal or professional writing, consider using alternatives like "challenging demand" or "complex requirement" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough request" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "tough" modifies the noun "request". Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. It serves to describe a specific type of request that is difficult or challenging.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tough request" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, although Ludwig indicates its frequency is rare. It effectively conveys the idea of a demand or requirement that is difficult to fulfill. While versatile, it leans towards a neutral register and is frequently found in news and media contexts. For more formal settings, alternatives like "challenging requirement" or "stringent demand" might be more suitable. When using "tough request", it is helpful to provide context about the specific reasons why the request is considered difficult. This provides clarity and enhances the overall impact of the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult request

Replaces "tough" with a direct synonym "difficult", maintaining the core meaning.

challenging request

Substitutes "tough" with "challenging", emphasizing the demanding nature of the request.

demanding request

Replaces "tough" with "demanding", highlighting the high expectations associated with the request.

arduous request

Uses "arduous" instead of "tough", indicating a request that requires considerable effort.

formidable request

Employs "formidable" to convey that the request presents a significant obstacle or challenge.

onerous request

Replaces "tough" with "onerous", suggesting that the request is burdensome or troublesome.

taxing request

Uses "taxing" instead of "tough", indicating a request that is physically or mentally demanding.

stringent request

Employs "stringent" to emphasize that the request is strict and requires precise adherence.

difficult proposition

Changes the structure slightly by using "proposition" instead of "request", implying a challenging task.

major undertaking

Shifts the focus to the effort required, portraying the request as a significant project or task.

FAQs

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

You can use "tough request" to describe a demand that is difficult to fulfill, such as: "Completing this project by tomorrow is a "tough request"." or "The company is facing a "tough request" from investors to increase profits immediately."

What are some alternatives to "tough request"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "difficult request", "challenging request", or "demanding request" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "tough request" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "tough request" leans toward informality. For formal writing, consider using more professional alternatives like "complex requirement" or "stringent demand".

What makes a request considered "tough"?

A request can be "tough" due to various factors, such as tight deadlines, limited resources, high expectations, or the need for specialized skills.