tough through

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tough through" is not correct and does not appear to be a standard expression in written English.
It seems to be an attempt to convey perseverance or resilience, but it is not commonly used or recognized. Example: "Despite the challenges, we must tough through the difficulties to achieve our goals."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Gruffudd Roberts Sir Ddinbych, Denbighshire We look forward to helping our nearly five year old to use phonics in order to distinguish between cough, tough, through, thorough, bough and though, but, alas, we can't because, having applied to our three nearest primary schools, we discover there are no places.

The Guardian

"Tough through it," he said.

The New York Times

He really hung in tough through the final furlong".

The New York Times - Sports

It was Fashion Week, and Carlsen's face — turned tough through strenuous furrowing of his eyebrows — glowered from billboards and magazines.

The New Yorker

Onstage in Washington, J.J. hangs tough through Rounds 4, 5 and 6 as the giants fall around her. Jith Eswarappa, a recent immigrant from Bangalore, India, goes out on beignet.

The New York Times - Magazine

But hanging tough through a long government shutdown — and a potential crisis around the debt limit — also carries the possibility that voters will judge the Republican Party to be incapable of governing, which is pretty much what happened in 1995 and 1996.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The analyst said eBay's listings comparisons will get tougher through May due to major promotions last year.

Forbes

"You just have to tough yourself through it.

The New York Times

The body covering is a tough cuticle, through which food is absorbed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To that end we held long and tough negotiations through the German mediator.

The New York Times

His writing is true and tough, shot through with a hard-won lyricism.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using established phrases like "get through", "push through", or "persevere through" for clearer communication.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "tough through" in formal writing. While it may appear in some contexts, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect and can detract from your credibility. Opt for more standard expressions like "get through" or "persevere through".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough through" functions as a phrasal verb construction intended to convey the idea of enduring or overcoming a challenging situation. However, as Ludwig AI points out, it is not considered grammatically correct in standard English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

3%

Academic

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tough through" is used to express the idea of enduring or overcoming challenges. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect in standard English. While it appears in various contexts, including some news sources, it's advisable to use more established and grammatically sound alternatives like "get through" or "persevere through", especially in formal or academic writing. The prevalence of the phrase in certain contexts suggests an attempt to convey resilience, but its incorrect grammar limits its effectiveness in clear and professional communication. It's important to prioritize grammatical correctness to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persevere through

Focuses on continuing despite difficulty, emphasizing persistence over the nature of the difficulty.

endure through

Highlights the ability to withstand and survive a challenging period, differing in its emphasis on passive resistance.

weather the storm

This is a metaphoric way to express that difficulties are similar to a storm and one needs to resist it.

navigate through

Emphasizes the active process of maneuvering through obstacles, suggesting a more strategic approach.

make it through

Focuses on achieving survival or success after a difficult experience, simplifying the idea of overcoming adversity.

get through

A more general term for completing or surviving a difficult period, lacking the intensity of "tough through".

push through

Emphasizes a forceful effort to overcome obstacles, placing less emphasis on the nature of the challenge.

battle through

Implies a confrontational approach to overcoming challenges, suggesting a more active and combative stance.

struggle through

Highlights the difficulty and effort involved in overcoming challenges, emphasizing the hardship experienced.

grind through

Suggests a slow, laborious process of overcoming challenges, focusing on the effort required.

FAQs

Is "tough through" grammatically correct?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "tough through" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's advisable to use more established phrases like "get through" or "persevere through" instead.

What are some alternatives to "tough through"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "get through", "push through", "persevere through", or "make it through" to express the idea of enduring or overcoming something difficult.

In what contexts might I encounter the phrase "tough through"?

Although not strictly correct, "tough through" might appear in informal conversation or writing, or in contexts where a more colloquial tone is acceptable. However, it's less likely to be found in formal or academic writing.

How can I ensure my writing is grammatically sound when expressing resilience?

To ensure grammatical correctness, use well-established phrases like "get through", "persevere through", or "endure". These options are widely accepted and will make your writing clearer and more effective.