tough role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tough role" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenging position or responsibility that someone has to undertake, often in a professional or performance context. Example: "Taking on the lead role in the play was a tough role for her, but she delivered an outstanding performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

And that's a tough role".

The New Yorker

"And when he plays, Rushid has a tough role.

The New York Times

Charlie Gordon is a tough role for any actor.

The New York Times

Though she is an experienced film actor, she said it was proving a tough role.

The New York Times

There's Laura Benanti, of "Into the Woods," a rising star in a tough role: Cinderella.

The New York Times

Because it is a really tough role that most people fail in".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The rugby-playing Yorkshireman has handled tough roles before.

The Guardian - Business

These are tough roles in any case, with inbred ambiguities that should swell as the play proceeds.

The New York Times

As the Man says to the Boy, "If you have no wounds, how can you know you're alive?" Boy and Girl are tough roles to play, and not just because they have to romp about buck naked in their Edenic bliss.

The New York Times

I do tough roles, guys who are complex.

Los Angeles Times

A far tougher role may be the one she is playing at home in Nigeria.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's development or an actor's performance, use "tough role" to effectively convey the magnitude of challenges they faced and the skills required to portray it convincingly.

Common error

Avoid using "tough role" lightly. It should accurately reflect a multifaceted challenge, not just a simple task. Ensure the context justifies the adjective "tough" by highlighting the various difficulties and complexities involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough role" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "tough" modifies the noun "role". This construction typically describes a position or task that involves significant challenges or difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms the acceptability and correct usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

14%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tough role" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a challenging or demanding position. Ludwig AI's analysis, supported by numerous examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it maintains a generally neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal writing, alternative phrases such as "demanding position" or "challenging task" may be preferred for more formal settings. When using "tough role", ensure that the context genuinely reflects the significant challenges and complexities associated with the described position.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demanding position

Focuses on the high level of requirements and effort needed.

challenging task

Highlights the difficulties and obstacles involved.

difficult assignment

Emphasizes the problematic nature of the given duty.

arduous responsibility

Stresses the burdensome and laborious aspect.

testing job

Indicates that the role will evaluate one's abilities.

taxing undertaking

Highlights the depleting nature of the role.

formidable undertaking

Highlights the intimidating aspect of the role.

onerous duty

Suggests that the duty is legally or ethically binding and difficult.

grueling experience

Highlights the exhausting aspect of the experience.

trying situation

Emphasizes the difficult and stressful nature of the circumstance.

FAQs

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

You can use "tough role" to describe a challenging position or responsibility, such as "Being a single parent is a "tough role"" or "The actress delivered an outstanding performance in a "tough role"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "tough role"?

Alternatives include "demanding position", "challenging task", or "difficult assignment", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "tough role" in formal writing?

Yes, "tough role" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. It is commonly used in news articles, business reports, and academic papers. However, choose alternatives like "demanding position" for highly formal contexts.

What makes a role "tough"?

A role can be considered "tough" due to various factors, such as high pressure, complex responsibilities, emotional demands, or significant physical requirements. It implies that the person undertaking the role faces considerable challenges.