Grammar fix
tough competition
strong competition
When there are many people or groups trying hard to win or succeed, making it difficult to stand out or achieve your goal.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
There is tough competition for jobs in the city, so you need to have good qualifications.
In my country, there is tough competition among students to get into the best universities, so many people study very hard.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: There was a tough competition for the place.
Say: There was tough competition for the place.
'Competition' (rivalry) is uncountable here — no 'a'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Tough competition' is the natural collocation; 'formidable rivalry' is bookish.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
tough competition + for
- for the job
- face tough competition
- from rivals
- in the market