tough weekend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tough weekend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in situations where someone has experienced a particularly difficult weekend, such as when they had to deal with a lot of work or some kind of difficult situation. For example, you could say, "I had a really tough weekend trying to move into my new house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General discussions

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"Malaysia was a tough weekend," said Hamilton.

Independent

But hopefully he has a tough weekend here".

The New York Times - Sports

A disconsolate Horner added: "It's been a tough weekend.

The Guardian - Sport

For the traditionalists who had a tough weekend, the status quo fought back for you Monday.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a tough weekend and since then I've just come back a lot stronger".

Independent

"Monaco was a tough weekend so I flicked a switch and had a reset," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Two tough weekends await the Gophers before the holiday break.

The New York Times - Sports

Much of Carpenter's inner toughness may be attributed to her mother who balanced emotional days dealing with young people with traumatic brain injuries and tough weekends supporting families at domestic violence shelters.

Huffington Post

It's going to be a much tougher weekend.

The Guardian - Sport

"It has been a very difficult weekend for me, probably the toughest weekend of the year for me".

The New York Times - Sports

The toughest weekend to get around is when the stock cars race at nearby Watkins Glen International.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tough weekend" to succinctly convey that a period was challenging or difficult, avoiding unnecessary details when brevity is preferred.

Common error

Avoid using "tough weekend" repeatedly in close proximity, as it can sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using alternative expressions or providing specific details about the challenges faced during the weekend.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough weekend" functions primarily as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It succinctly describes a period characterized by difficulty or hardship. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, indicating its established presence in the language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

30%

General discussions

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tough weekend" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a period filled with difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use, particularly in news and sports reporting, as well as general discussions. While it effectively conveys a challenging experience, writers should be mindful of overusing the phrase and consider more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings. Related phrases like "challenging weekend" or "difficult weekend" offer subtle variations in meaning. When employing the phrase, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and audience of your writing, and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging weekend

Substitutes "tough" with "challenging", emphasizing the demanding nature of the weekend.

difficult weekend

Replaces "tough" with "difficult", highlighting the problematic aspects of the weekend.

rough weekend

Uses "rough" instead of "tough", suggesting a more unpleasant or turbulent experience.

hard weekend

Employs "hard" as a substitute for "tough", stressing the laborious or strenuous nature of the weekend.

unpleasant weekend

Replaces "tough" with "unpleasant", focusing on the disagreeable or displeasing elements of the weekend.

trying weekend

Uses "trying" instead of "tough", emphasizing the testing or straining aspects of the weekend.

taxing weekend

Substitutes "tough" with "taxing", highlighting the draining or exhausting nature of the weekend.

demanding weekend

Replaces "tough" with "demanding", underlining the exacting or rigorous aspects of the weekend.

grueling weekend

Employs "grueling" to convey a sense of extreme exhaustion and hardship throughout the weekend.

eventful weekend

Suggests a weekend filled with significant or noteworthy events, which may or may not be positive.

FAQs

How can I use "tough weekend" in a sentence?

You can use "tough weekend" to describe a period filled with challenges or difficulties. For example, "I had a "tough weekend" dealing with unexpected home repairs" or "The team faced a "tough weekend" due to multiple injuries".

What are some alternatives to saying "tough weekend"?

Alternatives include "challenging weekend", "difficult weekend", or "rough weekend" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "tough weekend" in formal writing?

While "tough weekend" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "a demanding weekend" or "a challenging period" might be preferable in academic or professional contexts. The appropriateness depends on the overall tone and audience.

What makes a weekend qualify as a "tough weekend"?

A weekend qualifies as a "tough weekend" when it involves a series of difficult or demanding situations, such as dealing with unexpected problems, working long hours, or facing significant personal challenges. It implies a period of hardship or stress.