Differences amongst 'Tough', 'Hard' and 'Difficult'.
Exam was tough
Exam was hard
Exam was difficult

What are the differences amongst them?
Thanks in advance.If these three words have different meanings, could you please give an example?

Question

Differences amongst 'Tough', 'Hard' and 'Difficult'.
Exam was tough
Exam was hard
Exam was difficult

What are the differences amongst them?
Thanks in advance.If these three words have different meanings, could you please give an example?

Answer

In the context you are using,  they mean exactly the same. Everyone will understand all three.     tough and hard are more like stang, but real words.   Proper English is the exam was difficult.

Answer

Look at the dictionary definitions for all three words, and you'll see that both "tough" and "hard" have other uses. Their meaning of "difficult" is figurative.

We would say, "The exam was difficult."

Answer

I think "tough" is slightly less formal than "hard", which is slightly less formal than "difficult". It is not rude or inappropriate to use "tough", but in formal writing "difficult" is the best choice.