tough to read

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tough to read" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe text or material that is difficult to understand or interpret. Example: "The handwriting on the note was so messy that it was tough to read."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Technology

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Wesley is tough to read.

The New York Times

"He's very tough to read," Posada said.

The New York Times - Sports

"He was a little tough to read," Martinez said.

The New York Times - Sports

His rivalry with Nadal is like War and Peace: very long and tough to read.

The Guardian - Sport

It can be tough to read 400 pages about blight and struggle.

The New York Times - Books

It's another link in the chain for 1970 Heisman Trophy winner, whose daily regimen of medication is tough to read.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Snowden comes across in the film as shrewd, tough, and hard to read.

The New Yorker

His transition game is now among the toughest to read on the Tour.

The Guardian - Sport

"Orange" has always juxtaposed comedy and darkness, but the moral lines — what you expect to be horrified by or to laugh at — are tougher to read now.

The New York Times - Arts

The rolled-up scroll was badly damaged and flattened from the blast of the eruption, making it tougher to read out the words on the papyrus.

The Guardian

The toughest to read are those written by children -– asking why they have to move from their home, asking when their mom or dad will be able to go back to work.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as "tough to read", be specific about what makes it difficult. Is it the complexity of the language, the handwriting, or the subject matter?

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "tough to read" without explaining why. Provide context to help the reader understand the nature of the difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough to read" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating a quality or characteristic of the noun that makes it difficult to read. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

15%

Technology

12%

Less common in

Books

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tough to read" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that describes something difficult to understand or interpret. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, especially in News & Media, Sports, and Technology. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to provide context when using this phrase to specify the reason for the difficulty. Related phrases include "difficult to understand" and "hard to decipher". When writing, ensure you clarify why something is "tough to read" to enhance clarity and provide better insight for the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to understand

Emphasizes the challenge in comprehending the meaning.

hard to decipher

Focuses on the effort required to decode or interpret something.

challenging to interpret

Highlights the complexity involved in understanding the information.

not easily understood

A more straightforward way of saying that something is not simple to grasp.

obscure to comprehend

Indicates that something is vague and difficult to make sense of.

impenetrable to understanding

Suggests that something is impossible to fully grasp or comprehend.

not straightforward

Implies a lack of simplicity or directness in the material.

complicated to grasp

Emphasizes the intricate nature of the subject matter, making it difficult to understand.

presents comprehension challenges

Focuses on the difficulties a person faces when trying to comprehend something.

requires careful interpretation

Highlights the need for thorough and thoughtful analysis to understand the material.

FAQs

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

You can use "tough to read" to describe something that is difficult to understand or interpret. For example, "His handwriting was so small that it was "tough to read"".

What are some synonyms for "tough to read"?

Alternatives to "tough to read" include "difficult to understand", "hard to decipher", or "challenging to interpret".

Is "tough to read" grammatically correct?

Yes, "tough to read" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It follows a standard adjective-infinitive structure.

What makes something "tough to read"?

Something might be "tough to read" due to various factors such as complex language, poor handwriting, abstract concepts, or a disorganized structure.