tougher problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tougher problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing the difficulty of problems, indicating that one problem is more challenging than another. Example: "After analyzing the initial issue, we realized that we were facing a tougher problem than we had anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Medicare is a larger and tougher problem.

The New York Times

"Gatsby" and "Streetcar" have had the tougher problem.

The New York Times - Arts

But the bigger, tougher problem is Al Gore himself.

The New York Times

We also have many people sharing one band, and that's an even tougher problem.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Devising a nozzle for the aeroponic sprayer proved a tougher problem.

The New Yorker

Interpreting those images and incorporating them into digital files turned out to be a tougher problem.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The Tel Aviv-based startup has been tackling one of the tougher problems with mobile commerce: checkout.

TechCrunch

And then there are the tougher problems, like what to do about violent crime.

Huffington Post

"It is a tough, tough problem.

The New York Times

"But this is a tough, tough problem.

The New York Times

"This is a very tough problem.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tougher problem", ensure you've clearly established the initial problem for comparison. This provides context and highlights the increased difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "tougher problem" when the issue is merely inconvenient, not genuinely more challenging than others. Using it inappropriately can diminish the impact when describing genuinely difficult situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tougher problem" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying the noun "problem". It indicates that the problem being discussed is more difficult or challenging than another, either explicitly stated or implied. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tougher problem" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a challenge that is more difficult compared to another. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is usable in written English. It is frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, indicating its broad applicability. To use it effectively, ensure a clear comparison is established, and avoid exaggerating the difficulty. Alternatives like "more challenging issue" or "more complex situation" can be used to add nuance. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately incorporate "tougher problem" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more challenging issue

Replaces "tougher" with "more challenging", focusing on the demanding nature of the issue.

more difficult challenge

Substitutes "problem" with "challenge", highlighting the competitive or effort-requiring aspect.

greater obstacle

Emphasizes the impeding nature of the problem, using "obstacle" to suggest something that blocks progress.

more complex situation

Focuses on the intricate and multi-layered nature of the problem.

more demanding task

Highlights the effort and requirements associated with resolving the problem.

trickier issue

Uses "trickier" to denote a problem that requires careful handling and clever solutions.

more intractable problem

Emphasizes the difficulty in solving or managing the problem.

more formidable challenge

Stresses the significant difficulty and imposing nature of the challenge.

aggravating situation

Highlights the frustrating and irritating nature of the situation.

vexing question

Indicates a problem that is puzzling and difficult to find an answer for.

FAQs

How can I use "tougher problem" in a sentence?

You can use "tougher problem" to compare two different challenges, indicating that one is more difficult to resolve than the other. For example, "While the initial task was challenging, the follow-up proved to be a "tougher problem"."

What phrases are similar to "tougher problem"?

Alternatives include "more difficult challenge", "more complex situation", or "more intractable problem". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to explicitly compare two problems when using "tougher problem"?

While not always grammatically required, it's best practice to either explicitly state the initial problem or imply it through context. This makes the comparison clear and reinforces why the current issue is a "tougher problem".

What makes a problem "tougher" than another?

A problem can be "tougher" due to increased complexity, lack of resources, greater uncertainty, or higher stakes. It typically means the "tougher problem" requires more effort, skill, or time to resolve.