tough storm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tough storm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a particularly severe or challenging weather event, often in a metaphorical sense as well. Example: "The sailors braced themselves for the tough storm that was approaching, knowing it would test their skills and resolve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It was a tough storm," he said.

The New York Times

"We're dealing with a marketplace tied to the financial and international markets, and we're going to have to ride through a tough storm," said Michael W. Freimuth, director of the Stamford's office of economic development.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Asked about the City Hall view that residents should bear the consequences of their decisions to tough storms out, Mr. O'Neill winced.

The New York Times

Leaving the neighbourhood street toughs, Storm graduated to the Bandidos, a biker gang, and enjoyed much violence, casual sex and drugs.

The Guardian - Books

He said the last two winters have been especially tough, as storm winds made direct hits on the two miles of beach.

The New York Times

The battery-operated Tough Brite Storm Tracker (shown on the ladder) incorporates a radio, a television and a lantern; $59.99 at the Home Depot, homedepot.com or [phone] for store locations.

The New York Times

Again, there is an intriguing contrast between Maguire and Smith: one a no-nonsense bruiser from the tough Melbourne Storm school; the other more of a rugby league romantic who, while acknowledging the need to adopt some of the defensive techniques in which Wigan excel, would far rather rugby league's law-makers could find some way to drum wrestling out of the game.

The Guardian - Sport

Hunker Down with the Vector Tough Brite Storm Tracker Flickr Gets Into The Holidays Microsoft Raising Army of Killer Robots, With Your Help Defend Your Macbook with iSight Black Q: It's What's Inside That Counts.

TechCrunch

Many of the world's largest economies may be weathering the toughest recessionary storms in living memory, but for those at the top there has rarely been an easier time to join the billionaires' club.

The Guardian - Business

Shop or not, a few resilient souls were determined to tough out the storm.

The New York Times - Style

Financially, Mr. Pollak said, the storm was tough but not devastating.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tough storm" to describe a difficult situation or experience that requires resilience and strength to overcome. It's often used metaphorically to represent challenging periods in business, personal life, or even political scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "tough storm" to describe minor inconveniences or easily resolved issues. The phrase carries a connotation of significant difficulty and should be reserved for situations that genuinely warrant such a description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough storm" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "tough" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "storm". Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English, as exemplified by its appearance in various news articles.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tough storm" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, primarily functioning as a noun phrase to describe a challenging situation or severe weather event. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's considered correct and is often used metaphorically. While not extremely common, appearing mostly in news and media contexts, it effectively conveys a sense of difficulty and adversity. When writing, use "tough storm" to describe significant challenges, avoiding overuse in trivial situations, and consider alternatives like "severe weather" or "difficult period" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe weather

Focuses specifically on the intensity of the weather.

harsh conditions

Emphasizes the difficulty and unpleasantness of the circumstances.

difficult period

Shifts the focus to a challenging time frame rather than a specific event.

challenging situation

Highlights the problematic nature of the circumstances.

turbulent times

Implies instability and difficulty, often on a larger scale.

adverse circumstances

Formal and emphasizes the unfavorable nature of the situation.

rough patch

Informal, indicating a temporary period of difficulty.

hard times

General term for a period of hardship or difficulty.

trying ordeal

Suggests a painful or difficult experience that tests one's endurance.

formidable challenge

Highlights the difficulty and scale of the problem at hand.

FAQs

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

You can use "tough storm" to describe both literal weather events and metaphorical challenges. For example, "The company weathered a "tough storm" during the recession", or "The coastal town prepared for the "tough storm" approaching the shore".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "tough storm"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "severe weather", "harsh conditions", or "difficult period" as alternatives to "tough storm".

Is "tough storm" an idiom?

"Tough storm" is often used metaphorically, but it's not considered a formal idiom. It's a common expression to describe a challenging or difficult situation, similar to how one might describe literal "severe weather".

Can "tough storm" be used in a formal context?

Yes, "tough storm" can be used in formal contexts, particularly when discussing business or economic challenges. However, consider whether a more precise term like "adverse circumstances" might be more appropriate.