tough spell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tough spell" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a difficult or challenging period in someone's life or experience. Example: "After losing his job, he went through a tough spell, but he eventually found a new opportunity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

That would cheer Britons, who have endured a tough spell.

The Economist

"We have a tough spell now before the Europa League starts again in February.

Independent

"I think we're just going through a tough spell right now".

The New York Times - Sports

Wenger was pleased that the optimism has returned to the Emirates after a tough spell.

Independent

His beloved Newcastle are going through a tough spell – supporting them must be a little like following Pakistan cricket.

The Guardian - Sport

I went through a very tough spell there, especially last year, and I think everybody saw that.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

"He's been through tough spells in his career, he's been through adversity," Girardi said.

The New York Times - Sports

Wish writers would use tough spelling by figuring out spelling which will give reader general idea of way word sounds: "wunst," or "wunct".

The New Yorker

Philander and Steyn whittled it down to five overs to survive, seeing off tough spells from Johnson and Pattinson, but then Harris returned to write the final part of the script and give Australia the honours from a memorable Test series.

The Guardian - Sport

One thing in his favour is that he can be sure the crowd won't leap on his back, as many do in England when teams go through tough spells.

The Guardian - Sport

"He got through some really tough spells for us today," said Pietersen.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive subjects, consider using "tough spell" to soften the impact, providing a less severe connotation than alternatives like "crisis" or "disaster".

Common error

While "tough spell" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it excessively in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more precise and professional language like "period of economic instability" or "challenging market conditions" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough spell" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or a complement. It describes a period or phase characterized by difficulty or adversity. Examples in Ludwig show it used to describe personal or professional challenges.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Sport

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tough spell" is a common and correct phrase used to describe a challenging period. It is considered grammatically sound, as also confirmed by Ludwig AI, and is most frequently found in news and media contexts, particularly related to sports. While versatile, it's best to reserve it for general use and opt for more precise language in formal or academic settings. For alternative expressions, consider using phrases like "difficult period" or "hard time". Remember to use "tough spell" to convey empathy and understanding, acknowledging a temporary state of adversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult period

Replaces "tough" with a more general synonym for difficulty.

challenging time

Substitutes both words with synonyms, maintaining the overall meaning.

hard time

Uses a simpler, more direct expression for a difficult experience.

rough patch

Employs a more idiomatic expression implying a temporary setback.

trying circumstances

Replaces both words for a more formal, euphemistic term.

period of adversity

Uses a more literary and impactful phrase.

setback

A more concise term indicating a temporary regression or halt in progress

time of hardship

Expresses a more profound and potentially prolonged difficulty.

unfavorable turn of events

Refers to an unpropitious or negative sequence of occurrences.

ordeal

Implies a particularly painful or prolonged experience.

FAQs

What does "tough spell" mean?

A "tough spell" refers to a period of difficulty, hardship, or challenge in someone's life or in a particular situation. It suggests a temporary but unpleasant experience.

What can I say instead of "tough spell"?

You can use alternatives like "difficult period", "hard time", or "rough patch" depending on the context.

Is "tough spell" formal or informal?

"Tough spell" is generally considered neutral in formality. It's suitable for news articles and general conversation, but might be less appropriate for highly formal academic or business documents.

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

Here's an example: "After the company's restructuring, many employees went through a "tough spell" as they searched for new jobs".