tough response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tough response" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reply or reaction that is firm, strict, or difficult to deal with, often in the context of criticism or confrontation. Example: "The company's tough response to the allegations surprised many, as they had previously maintained a more lenient stance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's a tough response.

The Guardian - Opinion

President Nicolas Sarkozy promised a tough response.

The Economist

No wonder there were calls for a tough response.

Independent

President Reagan's tough response was to abandon Lebanon.

The Economist

"Dozens of men are killed every day without any tough response from the government".

The New York Times

North Korea called this "a declaration of war" and vowed a tough response.

The Guardian

Think of them as the French film industry's tough response to tougher times.

The New York Times

Israel's tough response triggered widespread condemnation across Europe; many of the passengers were from European countries.

Independent

His appointment there signaled that the government intended a tough response.

The New York Times

If the suspicions prove correct, a tough response would be expected and perhaps unavoidable.

The Economist

Political analysts say it might also reflect a tough response by the judiciary to regional turbulence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision, consider the specific nuance you want to convey; "tough response" suggests more than just strength, it implies resilience and a lack of leniency.

Common error

While "tough response" is widely understood, it can sound overly formal or severe in casual conversation. Opt for alternatives like "strong reaction" or "firm reply" in less formal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough response" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "tough" modifies the noun "response". It's commonly used to describe the nature of a reaction, as shown by Ludwig AI in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tough response" is a commonly used phrase that describes a firm and uncompromising reaction. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely found in news and media, along with formal business contexts. While generally neutral, it's important to consider the specific context to avoid overuse in informal settings. Related phrases like ""firm reaction"" or ""strong reaction"" can offer suitable alternatives. Understanding its nuances and appropriate usage will enhance clarity and impact in writing and communication. Remember that this phrase is not only strong, but it also implies a difficult choice was made to achieve the response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

firm reaction

Replaces "tough" with "firm", emphasizing resoluteness.

strong reaction

Substitutes "tough" with "strong", indicating intensity.

forceful answer

Changes "response" to "answer" and "tough" to "forceful", highlighting assertiveness.

stern reply

Replaces "response" with "reply" and "tough" with "stern", suggesting a serious tone.

vigorous retort

Uses "vigorous" instead of "tough" and "retort" instead of "response", implying energy and sharpness.

decisive action

Shifts from a verbal "response" to a "decisive action", focusing on concrete steps.

strict measure

Replaces "response" with "measure" and "tough" with "strict", highlighting regulatory or disciplinary actions.

severe penalty

Changes "response" to "penalty" and "tough" to "severe", focusing on consequences.

stiff opposition

Alters the phrase to describe resistance rather than a reply, conveying strong disagreement.

unyielding stance

Shifts the focus to a position or attitude, indicating a firm and inflexible approach.

FAQs

What does "tough response" mean?

A "tough response" signifies a firm, strict, and often uncompromising reaction to a situation, challenge, or provocation. It indicates a resolute and potentially severe approach.

When is it appropriate to use "tough response"?

Use "tough response" when describing a firm reaction to something serious like a violation or an attack. It's appropriate when the situation calls for a strong and decisive action.

What are some alternatives to "tough response"?

You can use alternatives such as "firm reaction", "strong reaction", or "forceful answer" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between a "tough response" and a "<a href=/s/strong+response" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">strong response"?

While similar, a "tough response" often implies more than just strength; it suggests a difficult or challenging decision, perhaps involving unpleasant consequences. A "<a href=/s/strong+response" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">strong response" simply emphasizes the intensity of the reaction.