What is the comparative form of “tough”?
The comparative form of “tough” is “tougher”.Example
The final exam was tougher than the practice test.
Example
He is tougher than he looks.
What is the superlative form of “tough”?
The superlative form of “tough” is “toughest”.Example
Among all the competitors, she is the toughest.
Example
The final round of the competition is known for being the toughest.
Why is this expression not used with most, more?
'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with tough, tougher, and toughest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more tough' and 'most tough' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, tougher and toughest are the correct and preferred forms to use.
Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?
Tough does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: Tough → Tougher Superlative: Tough → Toughest
Expressions with similar meanings to “tougher”
Used to describe something that requires more effort or is more challenging
Example
The advanced level of the course is harder than the beginner level.
Example
The puzzle in the newspaper today is more difficult than yesterday's.
Used to describe someone who is stricter or more severe
Example
The teacher's sterner approach helped improve the students' discipline.
Expressions with similar meanings to “toughest”
Similar to toughest, this emphasizes the highest level of difficulty or challenge
Example
The marathon is considered one of the hardest races in the world.
Example
The final level of the game is the most difficult to complete.
sternest
Used to describe the strictest or most severe person or situation
Example
The judge's sternest ruling was unexpected.
Using than with comparative “tougher”
When using the comparative form tougher to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "The final exam was tougher than the practice test." Here, than is used to show that the difficulty of the final exam is greater than the difficulty of the practice test.
How can I use this expression in context?
“tougher” and “toughest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.- 1Exams
The final exam is always tougher than the mid-term exam.
The final exam is always tougher than the mid-term exam.
- 2Sports
The championship game is expected to be the toughest match of the season.
The championship game is expected to be the toughest match of the season.
- 3Jobs
Working in customer service can be one of the toughest jobs.
Working in customer service can be one of the toughest jobs.
- 4Life Situations
Going through a breakup can be one of the toughest experiences.
Going through a breakup can be one of the toughest experiences.
- 5Competitions
The Olympic Games attract the toughest athletes from around the world.
The Olympic Games attract the toughest athletes from around the world.
Related idioms and phrases
Tough cookie
Someone who is strong-willed or resilient.
Example
She may seem sweet, but she's a tough cookie when it comes to negotiations.
Bite the bullet
To face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and determination.
Example
Even though he was scared, he knew he had to bite the bullet and confront his fears.
Tough luck
Used to express sympathy or disappointment when someone experiences bad luck.
Example
I'm sorry to hear about your job loss. Tough luck.
