Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
tough timing
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"tough timing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an instance when something must be done or a situation must be dealt with at a difficult time. For example, "The project was given to us with tough timing, so we had to work extra hard to finish on time."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(20)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
Due to these tough timing constraints, the time-consuming process of prototyping is often neglected, jeopardizing the entire product becoming successful.
Science
"It's tough timing for the playoffs for me.
News & Media
It was tough timing for McConnell: Leahy was in the midst of marking-up the historic immigration reform bill working its way through his panel.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
It's one of the toughest timing throws to make, and Daniels does not hesitate to deliver it, trusting Tyler Vaughns and Michael Pittman Jr. to adjust in the air and make the play.
News & Media
The Olympics has been a real motivation for me, but it's just been tough, kind of bad timing with everything.
News & Media
Many of Sequoia's portfolio companies trimmed some fat, and a lot of companies that could have gone by the wayside because of bad timing managed to tough it out.
News & Media
Adds Shelley Hoss, president of the foundation: "Given the tough times for nonprofits, it's especially good timing".
News & Media
The timing of Braun's loss comes at a tough time for the black community.
News & Media
Bad timing: Gyrations in the economy made high-priced domestics a tough sell.
News & Media
Bad timing for Putin But this was not the week to push Russia's Vladimir Putin, the tough guy, into a corner.
News & Media
This makes the questions about pricing and timing moot: Microsoft has the money to get this out there, and the timing is real soon now for a tech community looking to rebound from the tough times ahead.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "tough timing", consider the audience and context. In formal settings, alternatives like "inconvenient timing" might be more appropriate. In informal settings, "tough timing" works well to convey difficulty or challenge.
Common error
Avoid using "tough timing" repeatedly in formal reports or academic papers. Instead, vary your language with alternatives like "challenging schedule" or "tight deadline" to maintain a professional tone.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "tough timing" functions as a noun phrase, where "tough" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "timing". Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It typically serves to describe a situation where the time available or the scheduling is difficult or presents challenges.
Frequent in
News & Media
66%
Science
34%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "tough timing" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes a situation where the timing of an event or task presents challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not overly frequent, it is commonly found in news and media contexts. Alternative phrases like "inconvenient timing" or "challenging schedule" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. It's important to consider the audience and context when using this phrase to ensure appropriate communication.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
inconvenient timing
Replaces "tough" with "inconvenient", focusing on the lack of ease or suitability of the timing.
unfortunate timing
Emphasizes the bad luck or negative consequences associated with the timing.
awkward timing
Suggests the timing is uncomfortable or inappropriate for the situation.
poorly timed
Focuses on the ineffectiveness or unsuitability of the timing.
untimely moment
Indicates the event occurred at an unsuitable or inappropriate time.
badly scheduled
Highlights the scheduling aspect and its negative impact.
ill-timed
Similar to "poorly timed", but with a slightly more formal tone.
inopportune moment
A more formal alternative emphasizing the unsuitability of the occasion.
challenging time
Shifts the focus to the difficulty presented by the timing, rather than the timing itself.
difficult period
Broadens the scope to a general time frame that presents challenges.
FAQs
How can I use "tough timing" in a sentence?
"Tough timing" is used to describe a situation where the timing of an event or task is difficult or inconvenient. For example, "The project had "tough timing" due to the holidays".
What are some alternatives to "tough timing"?
Alternatives to "tough timing" include "inconvenient timing", "unfortunate timing", or "challenging schedule", depending on the specific context.
Is "tough timing" appropriate for formal writing?
While "tough timing" is grammatically correct, it might be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. For formal writing, consider using alternatives with a more professional tone, like "challenging schedule" or "tight deadline".
What does it mean when someone says "the timing was tough"?
When someone says "the timing was tough", it means the circumstances or schedule made it difficult to complete a task or handle a situation. This suggests that factors such as deadlines, other commitments, or unexpected events created a challenging environment. Alternatives include "the timing was inconvenient" or "the situation was poorly timed".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested