tough to figure out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tough to figure out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is difficult to understand or solve. Example: "The math problem was tough to figure out, but I eventually found the solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"We're tough to figure out," Manuel said.

The New York Times - Sports

It gets pretty tough to figure out what you would eat.

The New Yorker

"Some of these are tough to figure out," said Melissa Ruth, a counselor.

The New York Times

And it was really tough to figure out who was crazy".

The New Yorker

"It's tough to figure out what it is and then to make that adjustment".

The New York Times - Sports

The most telling concession, however, was when Manuel said, "We're tough to figure out".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

And that is much tougher to figure out".

The New York Times

"It is much tougher to figure out how to grow economies".

The New York Times

For travelers, all the fees make it tougher to figure out the real cost of a trip, and even raise the prospect, under the right (or wrong) circumstances, of paying more in fees than the base fare.

The New York Times

It's a lot tougher to figure out what to do about it.

Forbes

And it's even tougher to figure out what to do with gifts you get and don't need.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts or situations, use "tough to figure out" to convey that understanding requires significant effort. For example, "The economic forecast is tough to figure out given the current global uncertainties."

Common error

Avoid using "tough to figure out" when simpler alternatives like "hard to understand" or "difficult to know" would suffice. Overusing this phrase in straightforward situations can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough to figure out" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by describing something as difficult to understand or solve. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tough to figure out" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that is difficult to understand or solve. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best to reserve it for situations where the complexity genuinely warrants it. Alternatives like "difficult to understand" may be more appropriate in formal settings, but this phrase remains a useful and readily understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to understand

This alternative directly replaces "tough to figure out" focusing on the comprehension aspect.

hard to comprehend

Emphasizes the mental effort required to grasp something.

challenging to decipher

Suggests that the subject requires significant effort to decode or interpret.

not easy to understand

A more straightforward and less emphatic way of expressing difficulty in understanding.

complicated to resolve

Shifts the focus to the complexity of finding a solution.

intricate to unravel

Implies that the subject has many interconnected parts that need to be separated and understood.

perplexing to grasp

Highlights the confusing or bewildering nature of the subject.

obscure to discern

Indicates that the subject is not easily visible or understandable.

enigmatic to decode

Suggests that the subject has a mysterious or puzzling quality that needs to be deciphered.

presents a conundrum

This emphasizes that the subject is a riddle, or a difficult problem to solve.

FAQs

How can I use "tough to figure out" in a sentence?

You can use "tough to figure out" to describe something difficult to understand or solve. For example, "The new software interface is "tough to figure out" at first, but becomes easier with practice."

What can I say instead of "tough to figure out"?

You can use alternatives like "difficult to understand", "hard to comprehend", or "challenging to decipher" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "tough to figure out" or "difficult to understand"?

Both phrases are correct, but "difficult to understand" is generally more formal. "Tough to figure out" is suitable for informal contexts.

What's the difference between "tough to figure out" and "hard to believe"?

"Tough to figure out" describes something that is difficult to understand, while "hard to believe" describes something that is difficult to accept as true. They address different kinds of difficulties.