tough stance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'tough stance' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation when someone takes a noticeably strong, resolute, and uncompromising position on an issue. For example: The Prime Minister vowed to take a tough stance against any threats to national security.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This tough stance was inevitable.

The New York Times

The IMF took a tough stance.

The Economist

Mr. Cuomo took a tough stance on Bank of America.

The New York Times

Mr Bush reaffirmed his tough stance on Iran.

The Economist

Yes, he likes Mr. Romney's tough stance on China.

The New York Times

But wouldn't taking a tough stance have worried markets?

The New York Times

The Bush administration deserves credit for its tough stance.

The New York Times

This may have contributed to Seldon's tough stance.

The Guardian

His tough stance has catapulted him to around 50% in the opinion polls.

The Economist

Since August, more than 1,000 have been jailed.Many Hondurans applaud this tough stance.

The Economist

When it came to the bounties, Goodell took a tough stance.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tough stance" when you want to convey a sense of firmness, resolve, and lack of compromise. It's effective in describing policies, negotiations, or personal attitudes.

Common error

While "tough stance" is widely applicable, it might sound overly formal or aggressive in casual conversations. Consider using more nuanced language in personal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough stance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "tough" modifies the noun "stance". It describes a firm and uncompromising position or attitude, often in situations involving conflict or negotiation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tough stance" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a firm and uncompromising position. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its frequent appearance in news and business contexts underscores its relevance in formal and professional communication. While versatile, avoid overuse in informal settings, and consider alternatives like "firm position" or "determined approach" for subtle variations in meaning. A solid grasp of its usage will enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

firm position

Focuses on the resoluteness and determination conveyed by "stance".

strong attitude

Emphasizes the forceful and determined nature of the approach.

hard line

Highlights an uncompromising approach or policy.

determined approach

Emphasizes the purposeful and resolute nature of the action.

unyielding position

Stresses the steadfast and inflexible nature of the viewpoint.

resolute stand

Implies a firm and unwavering commitment to a particular belief or action.

forceful approach

Highlights the strength and assertiveness of the method.

strict policy

Focuses on the rigorous and inflexible nature of the guidelines.

inflexible attitude

Underscores the unwillingness to compromise or change.

adamant position

Suggests an unwavering and resolute viewpoint.

FAQs

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

You can use "tough stance" to describe someone's firm position on an issue. For example, "The government is taking a "tough stance" on immigration".

What's a synonym for "tough stance"?

Alternatives to "tough stance" include "firm position", "hard line", or "determined approach". These options offer slight variations in emphasis while conveying a similar meaning.

Is "tough stance" formal or informal?

"Tough stance" is generally considered neutral to formal. While understandable in most contexts, consider a less forceful alternative for casual conversations.

What's the difference between "tough stance" and "strong stance"?

While similar, "tough stance" implies a more confrontational or uncompromising position than "strong stance", which can simply suggest a firm and well-supported viewpoint.