tough rule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tough rule" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a rule that is strict or difficult to follow. Example: "The new policy implemented by the company is a tough rule that all employees must adhere to without exception."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It is a tough rule to get just right.

The New York Times

The move led to a tough rule being adopted.

The New York Times

THE comforting conventional wisdom is that after Russia's chaos and humiliation in the 1990s, eight years of tough rule by Vladimir Putin has brought prosperity and stability.

The Economist

Two of the FRC's latest, and tough, rule changes are Lord Sharman's recommendation that companies include a statement of "going concern" and set out the main risks to the business, and new clawback rules for past performance-related pay.

Independent

Ms. Jackson should issue a tough rule to control mercury, knowing that it is essential to protect Americans and that the power companies can certainly afford to do what is needed.

The New York Times

"Tough Rule Eliminates Most Tarmac Strandings," by Joe Sharkey (Business Travel column, May 5), about the regulation limiting airline tarmac delays to no more than three hours, shows how the Obama administration has virtually eliminated lengthy ground delays that sometimes left travelers stranded aboard aircraft for hours on end without access to food, water or working lavatories.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Germany wants tough rules?

The Economist

They believe that sheriffs in tough towns need tough rules.

The Economist

In floor debate, Mrs. Lincoln defended her tough rules.

The New York Times

On the campaign trail, President Obama took credit for imposing tough rules on Wall Street.

The New York Times

But jurisdictions with tough rules are undermined by neighbours with weak ones.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tough rule", ensure the context clearly defines who is affected and the specific consequences of non-compliance. Providing concrete examples can strengthen your message.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the severity of a "tough rule". Be precise about its effects and avoid hyperbolic language that might undermine the credibility of your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough rule" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "tough" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "rule". As evidenced in Ludwig examples, it describes a regulation or principle that is difficult to adhere to or has significant consequences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tough rule" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for describing regulations or policies that are strict or difficult to follow. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. Alternatives like "strict regulation" or "stringent regulation" may offer more formal or specific connotations. When using "tough rule", ensure the context clearly defines the affected parties and potential consequences. Being precise about the rule's effects and avoiding exaggeration is crucial to maintaining credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strict regulation

Emphasizes the formal and binding nature of the rule, highlighting its enforcement.

stringent regulation

Highlights the rigor and demanding nature of the regulation.

harsh regulation

Focuses on the severity and potential negative consequences of the rule.

demanding guideline

Suggests a high level of expectation and difficulty in adhering to the guideline.

firm policy

Emphasizes the steadfast and unyielding nature of the policy.

rigid requirement

Stresses the inflexibility and strict adherence required by the rule.

exacting standard

Implies a high level of precision and difficulty in meeting the required standard.

onerous provision

Highlights the burdensome or difficult nature of the provision.

difficult requirement

Directly states the challenging nature of fulfilling the requirement.

challenging regulation

Focuses on the difficulty in complying with or implementing the regulation.

FAQs

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

You can use "tough rule" to describe a strict or difficult regulation. For example: "The company implemented a "tough rule" regarding employee attendance."

What are some alternatives to "tough rule"?

Alternatives include "strict regulation", "stringent regulation", or "harsh regulation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "tough rule" or "strict rule"?

Both "tough rule" and "strict rule" are acceptable, but "strict rule" may emphasize the formal adherence, while "tough rule" may emphasize the difficulty or consequences of the rule.

What's the difference between a "tough rule" and a "tough guideline"?

A "tough rule" implies a mandatory requirement with potential penalties for non-compliance, while a "tough guideline" suggests a strong recommendation that may not carry the same level of enforcement.