tough to challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tough to challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is difficult to dispute or contest, often due to its strength or validity. Example: "The evidence presented in the case was so compelling that it was tough to challenge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's tough to challenge conventional wisdom.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

They also aren't monstrously hard but are tough enough to challenge you (at first).

WikiHow

And Labour's populist plans just aren't tough enough to challenge the big six it created.

The Guardian - Opinion

Both Boeing and President-elect George W. Bush will face tough decisions on whether to challenge the Europeans.

The New York Times

Zvonareva is a tough player with the game to challenge any of the top women.

The New York Times - Sports

So, these choices are intellectually challenging and tough to implement.

The Guardian

He's passionate, sensitive, tough, and challenging to work with.

The New Yorker

It may prove tough to eradicate, and the toughest challenge remains: to dry up its pool of recruits through better development and governance.

The Guardian

In debates that crucially affect the wellbeing of the world, ideas and beliefs should be open to tough challenge and hard discussion.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's easier for transit officials to buy bullhorns than to meet the tough challenges to add sufficient service.

The New York Times

As the player plays on higher difficulties, the game adds more objectives and makes enemies tougher to increase the challenge.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tough to challenge", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being challenged and why it is difficult to do so. For example, specify the evidence, argument, or situation that presents the challenge.

Common error

Avoid using "tough to challenge" in vague contexts where the specific reason for the difficulty isn't evident. Be specific about what makes the challenge difficult; otherwise, the phrase loses its impact and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough to challenge" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes a quality of something that makes it difficult to dispute or oppose. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tough to challenge" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for describing something difficult to dispute. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's more common to encounter it in news and media contexts, though its usage extends to wiki and scientific domains as well. To enhance clarity, ensure the context specifies what makes the challenge difficult. Alternatives like "difficult to dispute" or "hard to contest" can offer a more formal tone when needed. Remembering these points will help you use "tough to challenge" effectively and avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to dispute

Focuses on the difficulty in finding counterarguments or evidence.

hard to contest

Emphasizes the effort required to challenge the validity of something.

not easily challenged

Highlights the resilience or robustness against attempts to challenge.

formidable to question

Indicates a high level of difficulty in questioning or doubting something.

impregnable to criticism

Suggests that something is virtually immune to negative feedback or scrutiny.

unlikely to be overturned

Focuses on the low probability of a decision or result being reversed.

demanding to refute

Emphasizes the intellectual challenge in disproving something.

strenuous to overcome

Highlights the great effort required to surpass or defeat something.

challenging to gainsay

Indicates it's difficult to deny or contradict.

arduous to invalidate

Stresses the laboriousness of proving something to be without merit or foundation.

FAQs

How can I use "tough to challenge" in a sentence?

You can use "tough to challenge" to describe something that is difficult to dispute or contest, like "The evidence presented in court was "tough to challenge" because it was based on irrefutable scientific data."

What are some alternatives to "tough to challenge"?

Alternatives include phrases like "difficult to dispute", "hard to contest", or "not easily challenged", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "tough to challenge" formal or informal?

"Tough to challenge" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "difficult to dispute" might be preferred in very formal writing.

What makes something "tough to challenge" versus simply "challenging"?

Something that is "tough to challenge" implies a significant obstacle or barrier to successful disputation, often due to the strength, validity, or authority behind it. "Challenging" on its own simply means it requires effort or skill, without necessarily implying a low likelihood of success.