What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
chewy
Example
The steak was so chewy that I had to keep chewing it for a long time. [chewy: adjective]
Example
I love the chewy texture of gummy bears. [chewy: adjective]
tough
Example
The steak was too tough to eat. [tough: adjective]
Example
The leather on this bag is very tough. [tough: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Chewy is more commonly used than tough in everyday language, especially when describing food. Chewy is often used to talk about specific types of candies or snacks, while tough is more commonly used to describe meats or vegetables that are difficult to chew.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between chewy and tough?
Both chewy and tough can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, tough can also be used to describe the durability or strength of non-food items, making it slightly more versatile in terms of formality.