tough solution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tough solution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a solution that is difficult to implement or requires significant effort to achieve. Example: "Finding a tough solution to the complex problem took the team several weeks of brainstorming and collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The Nixon White House, addicts of toughness as only timid men can be, became inflamed with the desire for a "tough" solution.

The New Yorker

Noe said this was a morally and politically tough solution but it is the "smartest thing to do" because the alternative is so much worse.

The Guardian

There are still some kinks in terms of connection, this is very much a tough solution to crack.

TechCrunch

Think of a tough solution that would fit that situation.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Tough solutions may be needed for these problems, but we will not let the sick pay for Labour's debt crisis".

The Guardian

Tough times call for tough solutions, but singling out poor children is one of those random thousand-ideas-a-minute that should have gone directly into the right brain's shredder.

The Washington Post

Both patients and voters are able to deal with short-term difficulties and tough solutions if they believe that the sacrifices will be worthwhile and a better future lies ahead.

Independent

Venezuela faces the most severe problems, analysts said, primarily because neither of the two most prominent candidates in presidential elections in December hold much promise of bringing tough solutions to a wayward economy.

The New York Times

"It's desert-proof," says Eitelhuber. "Anywhere that has tough conditions that need tough solutions, we're looking there".

BBC

"Tough solutions may be required for these problems, but we will help the NHS overcome them," he added.

BBC

Ryan created an image for himself as a thoughtful centrist interested in tough solutions to tough problems.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tough solution" when you want to emphasize the resilience or fortitude required to solve a problem.

Common error

Avoid using "tough solution" when the problem is simply complex or nuanced. Reserve it for situations where the solution requires significant effort, resources, or involves difficult decisions. The phrase fits well only when there is some form of adversity involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough solution" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "tough" modifies the noun "solution". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

21%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tough solution" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a resolution that demands significant effort or difficult decisions. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not overly common, it appears across various contexts, especially in News & Media. For alternative wordings, options include "challenging resolution" or "difficult answer", based on the context. Be sure to use it when a situation involves some kind of adversity and be careful not to overuse this phrase instead of simply “complex” or “nuanced” when it's not the case.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging resolution

Replaces "tough" with "challenging" and "solution" with "resolution", slightly altering the tone but retaining the core meaning.

difficult answer

Substitutes "tough" with "difficult" and "solution" with "answer", focusing on the complexity of the answer.

complex resolution

Emphasizes the complexity of the resolution, rather than the difficulty in finding it.

demanding fix

Uses "demanding" and "fix" to highlight the rigor and corrective aspect of the solution.

stringent remedy

Implies a more rigorous or strict solution is required.

rigorous approach

Focuses on the demanding nature of the approach taken to find a solution.

arduous process

Shifts the focus to the challenging process of finding a solution.

formidable strategy

Highlights the strength and impact of the strategic solution.

uncompromising measure

Suggests a firm and inflexible solution is needed.

radical method

Implies the solution is innovative and addresses the root cause of the problem.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "tough solution" in a sentence?

You can use "tough solution" to describe a resolution that is difficult to achieve or implement. For example, "The company implemented a "tough solution" to address the financial crisis".

What are some alternatives to "tough solution"?

Some alternatives include "challenging resolution", "difficult answer", or "complex resolution". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "tough solution" too informal for business writing?

While "tough solution" is generally acceptable, consider the tone of your writing. In very formal contexts, alternatives like "stringent remedy" or "rigorous approach" might be more appropriate.

What makes a solution "tough"?

A "tough solution" usually requires significant effort, involves difficult decisions, or has potential negative consequences. It's not simply a complex or intricate solution; it's one that demands resilience and fortitude.