tough requirement

USAGE SUMMARY

"tough requirement" is correct and can be used in written English.
You might use it to refer to a particularly difficult rule or demand that someone must meet. For example: "The graduate school has a tough requirement for applicants: a 3.5 GPA or higher."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It also noted that no other country has such a tough requirement, and said that such matters were best decided at a national level.

The Economist

The state's favorite son Republican senator, Marco Rubio, seems only too happy to duck immigration issues, and the Republican-controlled State Senate refused to pass a bill this spring with a tough requirement on employers to check workers' immigration status.

The New York Times

However, owing to the tiny spacing, the power frequency needs to be over 20 MHz, which is a tough requirement for the power supply.

Chemistry Central Journal

WASHINGTON -- House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) laid down a tough requirement for raising the debt ceiling Thursday, all but ensuring a reprise of the tense standoff two years ago that saw America's credit rating downgraded.

Huffington Post

This tough requirement is well described by the old adage "If you torture well enough your data, they'll confess", with the double-entendre that they might "confess" what you expect or would like to find, rather than the underlying reality.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

New Jersey has relatively tough requirements.

The New York Times

It will have tough requirements on inspections.

The New York Times

New York and London are highly rated for transparency and tough requirements.

The Guardian - Money

Another problem is the watering down of tough requirements and procedures as new members join.

The Economist

The Court of Appeals reversed that decision -- but imposed tough requirements on the prosecution to prove that its evidence was constitutionally untainted.

The New York Times

Florida's Legislature imposed tough requirements on absentee voters after widespread abuses led to the reversal of Miami's mayoral election.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific standard or regulation, use "tough requirement" to emphasize its demanding nature, for example: "Meeting the emissions standards is a tough requirement for new car manufacturers".

Common error

While "tough requirement" is acceptable in formal settings, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Alternatives like "strict rule" or "difficult task" might be more appropriate in informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough requirement" functions as a noun phrase, where "tough" modifies the noun "requirement". It typically acts as a subject complement or object, describing the nature of a condition or standard. Ludwig confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tough requirement" is a phrase used to describe a demanding or challenging condition. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and can be used in written English. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, with a professional register. While useful for emphasizing difficulty, overuse in informal contexts should be avoided. Related phrases like "rigid requirement" or "stringent requirement" can provide nuanced alternatives. When using "tough requirement", ensure it accurately reflects the demanding nature of the condition you are describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rigid requirement

Emphasizes inflexibility and strict adherence to the requirement.

stringent requirement

Highlights the strictness and precision needed to meet the requirement.

challenging requirement

Focuses on the difficulty and effort needed to fulfill the requirement.

demanding requirement

Highlights the high standards and expectations associated with the requirement.

strict condition

Highlights the condition that needs to be followed without any negotiation.

firm prerequisite

Indicates a non-negotiable preliminary condition that must be met.

harsh stipulation

Conveys a severe and potentially unpleasant element of the requirement.

severe limitation

Highlights the strong restrictions implied by the requirement.

arduous necessity

Emphasizes both the difficulty and the unavoidable nature of the requirement.

exacting standard

Highlights that the requirement is following the highest level of perfection.

FAQs

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

You can use "tough requirement" to describe a demanding condition or standard, such as, "The university has a tough requirement for graduation: completing a thesis project."

What are some alternatives to "tough requirement"?

Alternatives include "rigid requirement", "stringent requirement", or "challenging requirement", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "tough requirement" formal or informal?

"Tough requirement" is generally suitable for formal and professional contexts, but less appropriate for casual conversations. In informal settings, simpler phrases like "strict rule" might be preferable.

What makes a requirement "tough"?

A "tough" requirement is one that is difficult to meet due to high standards, complex procedures, or significant effort needed. It implies that fulfilling the requirement is not easy or straightforward.