when things get tough

USAGE SUMMARY

"when things get tough" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a situation when difficulties or challenges arise. You can use it in a variety of contexts, such as in a personal essay, a business email, or even in a conversation with friends. Example: "I have always believed that true friends stick together when things get tough. And when my father passed away, I realized just how lucky I am to have such amazing and supportive friends in my life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I hope it doesn't recur when things get tough".

The New York Times

When things get tough I am a little bit soft".

The Guardian - Sport

But when things get tough, boards become captive of executives or bankers or they simply leave.

The New York Times

So when things get tough they are able to support each other in being different".

The New Yorker

Ashe was trained never to show his reactions and when things get tough he has control.

The New Yorker

"When things get tough, they seem to change the subject," Mr. Condie said.

The New York Times

"Steve taught us that when things get tough you fight and never give up," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

We now know that when things get tough, or maybe just boring, Sarah Palin quits.

The New York Times

While the Phillies seem to thrive when things get tough, the Mets do not.

The New York Times - Sports

"Everybody wants a guy who, when things get tough, steps up.

The New York Times - Sports

He said: "This government is not in the habit of backing out when things get tough.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when things get tough" to introduce a discussion about resilience, problem-solving, or strategies for overcoming obstacles.

Common error

While "when things get tough" is widely applicable, be mindful of extremely formal contexts, such as academic papers or high-level business reports. In such cases, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "in times of adversity" or "during challenging times".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when things get tough" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by specifying the circumstances under which the action or state described in the main clause occurs. As Ludwig AI explains, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when things get tough" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to challenging situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely used across diverse contexts, and its meaning is consistently understood. While it's most frequently found in news and media, it also appears in business and more informal writing. For very formal contexts, consider alternatives like "in times of adversity". Remember to use the phrase to set the stage for discussions about overcoming obstacles, and be mindful of choosing the right level of formality for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when the going gets tough

Uses a more idiomatic expression, focusing on the act of 'going' or progressing becoming difficult.

in times of adversity

Highlights the presence of hardship and misfortune.

when difficulties arise

Emphasizes the emergence of problems or challenges.

during challenging times

Focuses on the period being difficult, rather than the act of things getting tough.

when the chips are down

An idiomatic expression indicating a critical or desperate situation.

in the face of hardship

Stresses the confrontation with difficult conditions.

when under pressure

Focuses on the state of being burdened by stress and strain.

when faced with adversity

Similar to "in times of adversity" but emphasizes the direct encounter.

in difficult circumstances

Highlights the challenging conditions surrounding a situation.

when push comes to shove

Idiomatic expression suggesting a point of critical action or decision.

FAQs

What does "when things get tough" mean?

The phrase "when things get tough" refers to situations or periods characterized by significant challenges, difficulties, or adversity. It suggests a time when problems arise and require effort and resilience to overcome.

How can I use "when things get tough" in a sentence?

You can use "when things get tough" to introduce a scenario where someone needs to demonstrate strength, perseverance, or problem-solving skills. For example, "When things get tough, it's important to rely on your support network."

What are some alternatives to "when things get tough"?

Alternatives include "in times of adversity", "during challenging times", or "when difficulties arise". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "when things get tough" or "when times get tough"?

Both "when things get tough" and "when times get tough" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. "When things get tough" is slightly more common, but the choice often depends on personal preference and stylistic considerations.