What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
strengthen
Example
The construction workers used steel beams to strengthen the building's foundation. [strengthen: verb]
Example
I've been doing push-ups every day to strengthen my upper body. [strengthen: verb]
Example
The company hired a marketing team to strengthen their brand image. [strengthen: verb]
toughen
Example
The leather was treated to toughen it against wear and tear. [toughen: verb]
Example
Living in a rough neighborhood toughened him up. [toughened: past tense]
Example
The coach toughened up the team's training regimen to prepare for the upcoming competition. [toughened up: phrasal verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Strengthen is more commonly used than toughen in everyday language. Strengthen is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while toughen is less common and has a more specific application.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between strengthen and toughen?
Both strengthen and toughen are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
