tough statement

USAGE SUMMARY

"tough statement" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a statement that is difficult, challenging, or controversial in nature. Example: "The politician's tough statement about immigration sparked a heated debate among the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Yet as Osborne warms up for a tough statement this week, businesses are still warning that not much is happening on the ground.

The Guardian

In a tough statement yesterday, John McCain said the Nato rebuff to Georgia "might have been viewed as a green light by Russia for its attacks on Georgia.

The Guardian

The tough statement means that a major diplomatic row is looming between Moscow and London, with expulsions on both sides highly likely.

The Guardian

President Obama issued a tough statement this week, but so far he hasn't recalled the U.S. ambassador, he hasn't pushed for international sanctions.

The Washington Post

When Stimson showed him the tough statement he had initialed at Quebec he seemed "perfectly staggered," Stimson later recalled, saying, "I have not the faintest recollection of this at all".

The New York Times - Books

"Results from N.I.H.-funded research must not be biased by any conflicting financial interests," John Burklow, a spokesman for the health institutes, said in the kind of tough statement that in the past has rarely been followed by real sanctions.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

When talks continue, avoid inducing bold, tough statements from your adversary, lest he feel backed into a corner.

Harvard University

Secretary Albright made some very tough statements about how this new Serbian aggression would not be tolerated.

The New York Times

Then, in the interview, he made the kinds of tough statements that have long been his hallmark in the area of foreign policy.

The New Yorker

In making her own tough statements on Iran, Mrs. Clinton acknowledged that the process of building support for sanctions in the United Nations was taking longer than expected.

The New York Times

Zardari has made tough statements against Islamic extremism, and Pakistan's army says it continues to attack rebel positions in operations in the country's volatile north-west.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tough statement" when you want to emphasize the firmness or challenging nature of a declaration, particularly in political or business contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "tough statement" in casual conversation; opt for alternatives like "strong opinion" or "firm stance" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough statement" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "tough" modifies the noun "statement". It describes a particular type of statement characterized by its firmness or challenging nature. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tough statement" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase, typically employed in neutral to professional settings like news and business. While "tough statement" is appropriate for conveying firmness or disapproval, it's advisable to use alternatives like "strong declaration" in more informal contexts. The phrase’s frequency and usage across authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscore its relevance in contemporary communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong declaration

Emphasizes the forcefulness and conviction behind the statement.

firm announcement

Highlights the resoluteness and official nature of the statement.

forceful assertion

Suggests a confident and determined expression of a belief or opinion.

stern warning

Implies a serious and cautionary message, often with potential consequences.

critical remark

Conveys a negative assessment or judgment, often pointing out flaws or weaknesses.

harsh criticism

Indicates severe disapproval or condemnation, often delivered in a direct manner.

pointed rebuke

Suggests a sharp and direct expression of disapproval or criticism.

blunt declaration

Emphasizes the directness and lack of subtlety in the statement.

outspoken view

Highlights the candid and unreserved expression of an opinion.

assertive claim

Indicates a confident and forceful presentation of a fact or belief.

FAQs

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

You can use "tough statement" to describe a firm or challenging declaration. For example: "The president issued a "tough statement" regarding the trade negotiations."

What are some alternatives to "tough statement"?

Alternatives include "strong declaration", "firm announcement", or "forceful assertion", depending on the specific context.

Is "tough statement" formal or informal?

"Tough statement" is generally suitable for neutral to formal contexts, such as news reports or business communications. It may sound out of place in very informal settings.

What makes a statement "tough"?

A "tough statement" typically involves a firm, often challenging, stance on a contentious issue. It can also imply potential negative consequences for non-compliance.