tougher

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "tougher" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is more difficult or challenging than before, for example: "My new workout routine is much tougher than the last one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We've seen energy prices going through the roof, and I think we have to get much tougher on regulating these public utilities".

The Guardian - Money

A Labour government would push for even tougher climate change targets to stop the world's temperature warming to a dangerous level, Caroline Flint has told the Guardian.

The Guardian

The Maidan protesters were heroes, but the true fight – the fight for what the new Ukraine will be – is happening now, and it will be much tougher than the fight against Putin's intervention.

The Guardian

Having benefited from a five-year plan struck at the height of an economic boom in 2007, Network Rail faces a much tougher round of negotiations this time.

The Guardian

Last year's verdict was already unusual because the sentence was much tougher than the suspended prison term sought by prosecutors.

The Guardian

On Wednesday he has a much tougher test in the second round, against the rising Australian Nick Kyrgios, who looked outstanding in defeating Denis Istomin 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.

The Guardian - Sport

"It is positive in the sense that it is an entirely new initiative, but is it going to do anything?" The modern slavery bill brings together current offences on trafficking and slavery, introduces tougher sentences for traffickers, and creates an independent anti-slavery commissioner, likely to be a former police officer.

The Guardian

It was immediately followed by Tebbit's secret plea for tougher action to bring a swift end to the strike.

The Guardian

I cut lengths for the straps from a piece of tougher hide.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

George Parker in the Financial Times says a Populus poll for the paper shows that almost two thirds of voters want the next government to be tougher with business.

The Guardian

The backlash was led by Michael Howard, whose 1993 slogan "prison works" marked a tougher attitude towards crime and punishment that continued through Labour's years in power.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tougher", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being compared. For example, specify what the subject is tougher than.

Common error

Avoid using "tougher" without clearly stating or implying what the subject is tougher than. This can lead to ambiguity and confusion. Always provide a point of reference for the comparison.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "tougher" is as a comparative adjective. It modifies a noun by indicating a greater degree of toughness, strength, or difficulty compared to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its common use in comparative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tougher" functions as a comparative adjective, frequently employed in a neutral register across various contexts, particularly in news and media. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically correct and usable in written English. When employing "tougher", clarity is key; ensure the comparison is explicit or easily inferred. Common alternatives include "more difficult" and "harder". Avoiding vague comparisons will enhance the precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harder

A simpler and more direct synonym, indicating increased difficulty or effort.

more difficult

Focuses on increased difficulty rather than overall strength or resilience.

more challenging

Highlights the demanding and stimulating aspect of increased difficulty.

more rigorous

Emphasizes strictness and adherence to standards.

more demanding

Stresses the higher requirements and expectations involved.

more resilient

Highlights the improved ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

more robust

Indicates increased strength and ability to withstand stress.

more severe

Focuses on the increased harshness or strictness of something.

more stringen

Implies stricter rules and regulations.

more forceful

Highlights an increase in power or effectiveness.

FAQs

How do I use "tougher" in a sentence?

Use "tougher" to compare the relative difficulty, strength, or severity of something. For instance, "This exam is "tougher" than the last one".

What is a simple substitute for "tougher"?

A straightforward alternative for "tougher" is "harder", which also indicates an increase in difficulty or effort.

How does "tougher" compare to "more challenging"?

"Tougher" generally implies increased resilience or difficulty, while "more challenging" emphasizes the stimulating and demanding aspect. For example, "This project is "tougher" because of the tight deadline, but it's also more "challenging" because of the innovative technology involved".

Is there a difference between "tougher" and "more rigorous"?

"Tougher" suggests a general increase in difficulty or resilience, whereas "more rigorous" specifically points to stricter standards or procedures. A "tougher" training regime might focus on endurance, while a more "rigorous" academic program would focus on strict adherence to academic standards.