What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stiffer
Example
The new shoes are stiffer than my old ones. [stiffer: comparative adjective]
Example
He walked with a stiffer gait after his injury. [stiffer: adjective]
Example
The competition this year is stiffer than last year. [stiffer: comparative adjective]
tougher
Example
The leather jacket is tougher than the cotton one. [tougher: comparative adjective]
Example
She's a tough woman who has been through a lot. [tough: adjective]
Example
This test is going to be tougher than the last one. [tougher: comparative adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tougher is more commonly used than stiffer in everyday language. Tougher is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while stiffer is less common and is typically used to describe physical properties.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stiffer and tougher?
Both stiffer and tougher are informal words that can be used in casual conversations. However, tougher can also be used in formal contexts to describe a challenging situation or task, while stiffer is less versatile and is typically used in informal contexts.
