Go through a difficult time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Go through a difficult time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a period of hardship or struggle that someone is experiencing. Example: "After losing his job, he had to go through a difficult time before finding new employment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

When people go through a difficult time they say, "Make yourself busy.

The New York Times

"When you go through a difficult time, you either pull together, or it pulls you apart," Ms. Lansing said.

The New York Times

A. It's very important when we go through a difficult time, and we all do, to communicate with the team about where we prioritize and where we put our focus.

The New York Times

Each presenter indicated that he or she got into the business after caring for a loved one or watching a family member go through a difficult time.

Forbes

Most of us will go through a difficult time at some point in our lives, including the sporting stars we may think are invincible.

HuffPost

At one time or another, we will all go through a difficult time, whether we deal with sickness, catastrophe, crisis, or relational breakdown.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

She was going through a difficult time.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I went through a difficult time.

The Guardian

"Her film career was going through a difficult time.

The New Yorker

The family had already been going through a difficult time.

The Washington Post

"We're just going through a difficult time".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go through a difficult time" to describe an experience, not a characteristic. Instead of saying "He is going through a difficult time", consider describing the specific challenges he faces.

Common error

Avoid using "go through a difficult time" in passive constructions that obscure the subject experiencing the difficulty. Instead of saying "A difficult time was gone through", specify who experienced the difficulty by saying "He went through a difficult time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go through a difficult time" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of experiencing hardship or adversity. It's used to describe a period of challenge, struggle, or suffering, as shown in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "go through a difficult time" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe experiencing hardship or adversity. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, shows that this phrase is widely used in news and media to convey empathy or explain challenging circumstances. While suitable for various contexts, it maintains a neutral register. It is recommended to provide specific details about the difficulty to enhance clarity. Additionally, pay attention to the active voice to clearly indicate who is experiencing the hardship. The AI analysis confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Face challenges

Highlights the confrontation with difficulties.

Experience hardship

Focuses on the experience of difficulty, rather than the process.

Cope with adversity

Emphasizes the act of managing and dealing with a difficult situation.

Navigate a rough patch

Suggests a period of difficulty that requires careful handling.

Endure a struggle

Emphasizes the perseverance needed to overcome difficulties.

Live through a crisis

Specifically refers to a critical or decisive moment.

Weather a storm

Uses a metaphor to describe enduring a difficult period.

Undergo a trial

Implies a test or ordeal.

Suffer adversity

Focuses on the negative impact of the difficult time.

Bear a burden

Highlights the weight or pressure of the difficult time.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "go through a difficult time"?

You can use alternatives like "experience hardship", "face challenges", or "endure a struggle" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "going through a difficult period"?

Yes, "going through a difficult period" is grammatically correct and very similar in meaning to "go through a difficult time". Both phrases describe experiencing a challenging phase.

How do I use "go through a difficult time" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone's experience: "She is "going through a difficult time" after losing her job." Or to describe a broader situation: "The company is "going through a difficult time" due to the economic downturn."

What's the difference between "go through a difficult time" and "have a hard time"?

Both phrases indicate experiencing difficulties, but "go through a difficult time" often implies a more prolonged or significant period of hardship, while "have a hard time" can refer to a specific task or situation.