tough rivalry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tough rivalry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a competitive situation where the opponents are equally matched and the competition is intense. Example: "The two teams have a tough rivalry that has lasted for decades, making every match highly anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But they will be in tough rivalry with each other, not to mention the rest of the EU.Which is why there is also a debate about ways to stay competitive.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

At the time of the trade, Monroe and Frazier were two of the three best guards in the game -- the third was Jerry West -- and they were the most visible players on teams that formed the game's toughest rivalry.

The New York Times - Sports

"That was as tough a rivalry as there's ever been".

The New York Times

But amiable buffoons generally do not prosper as coaches amid the intense pressure of the Indian Premier League or the tough interstate rivalries of Australia's Sheffield Shield, and Lehmann has succeeded in both.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's pretty tough to get a rivalry going".

The New York Times - Sports

Administrators claim that tough grading leads to rivalry and stress for students.

The Economist

And this year, tonight's Game 5 at American Airlines Arena will give the winner room to exhale for the first time in this series; a 3-2 lead will be tough to overcome in a rivalry in which neither team has won consecutive games in the last nine postseason meetings.

The New York Times - Sports

They had tough, hard debates, jealousies and rivalries.

The New York Times

The EU also has to appoint the other members of the European Commission - a tough task, as there is intense national rivalry over the most coveted policy areas, such as the internal market, trade and energy.

BBC

He is 6 feet 5 inches and 235 pounds and has a nasty rivalry with Sandy McCarthy, the current Rangers tough guy.

The New York Times - Sports

Neither one of us cares for the other, we play each other tough every time, and it's becoming a big-time rivalry".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation as a "tough rivalry", ensure the context clearly establishes the participants and the stakes involved. This helps the audience understand the intensity and significance of the competition.

Common error

Avoid using "tough rivalry" to describe minor disagreements or routine competitions. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and suggest a level of intensity that doesn't exist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough rivalry" functions as a noun phrase, where "tough" modifies the noun "rivalry". It describes a specific type of competitive relationship characterized by intensity and difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tough rivalry" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to describe a competitive relationship marked by intensity and challenge. While not exceedingly common, Ludwig provides several examples of its usage in reputable sources, primarily within news and media contexts. Alternative phrases such as "fierce competition" or "intense competition" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the desired nuance. Ludwig AI validates the appropriateness of using this expression in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fierce competition

Replaces "rivalry" with "competition" and "tough" with "fierce", emphasizing the intensity of the competitive environment.

intense competition

Similar to "fierce competition", this option uses "intense" to highlight the high level of activity and engagement in the competition.

bitter feud

Replaces "rivalry" with "feud", which suggests a more prolonged and hostile relationship.

keen competition

Emphasizes the enthusiasm and eagerness present in the competitive environment.

heated contest

Uses "contest" instead of "rivalry" and "heated" to describe the passionate and energetic nature of the competition.

intense antagonism

Highlights the animosity between competitors, making it a stronger, more negative alternative.

cutthroat competition

This alternative suggests ruthless and unethical behavior is accepted or even rewarded within the competitive environment.

stiff opposition

This phrase focuses on the resistance encountered from competitors, rather than the overall competitive dynamic.

arduous contest

Focuses on the difficulty and laboriousness of the competition.

formidable challenge

Shifts the focus from the rivalry itself to the difficulty it presents.

FAQs

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

You can use "tough rivalry" to describe a competitive situation. For example, "The two companies have a "tough rivalry" in the smartphone market".

What's a similar phrase to "tough rivalry"?

Alternatives include "fierce competition", "intense competition", or "bitter feud", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is "tough rivalry" formal or informal?

"Tough rivalry" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though the specific situation dictates the most appropriate choice. More formal alternatives like "keen competition" might be preferred in certain professional settings.

What makes a rivalry "tough"?

A "tough rivalry" implies that the competition is intense, the stakes are high, and the participants are closely matched, making it difficult for any one side to consistently gain an advantage.