a difficult period of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficult period of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenging time in someone's life or a specific situation. Example: "After losing his job, he went through a difficult period of adjustment before finding new employment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

There will be a difficult period of transition during which massive unemployment will sweep the country.

The Guardian

And all of that means it's been a difficult period of time".

The New York Times

After a difficult period of family separation and divorce, they were married in 1999.

The New York Times

He was Oxford's first full-time vice-chancellor (1969-73), serving during a difficult period of student unrest.

The Guardian

After the war there was a difficult period of reconstruction, but by the 1950s the economy was booming.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was a difficult period of investing in new customers and a totally new media delivery workflow, often rejecting and enraging their core customer base.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

But Karri Leyritz said the breakup coincided with his exit from professional baseball and was a difficult period for both of them.

The New York Times - Sports

'I was going through a difficult period, sort of a bad streak,' he says.

The Guardian - Sport

A difficult period ensued, of introspection, soul-searching, doubt, dejection, and a struggle to regain a balance that required a new strength I thought I didn't possess, and yet eventually discovered.

The New York Times

Mr. Obama and his expanded Democratic majority on Capitol Hill now face the task of governing the country through a difficult period: the likelihood of a deep and prolonged recession, and two wars.

The New York Times

"It's been a difficult period because all of a sudden George W. Bush is the star of a Frank Capra movie," said David Axelrod, a Democratic strategist in Chicago.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a difficult period of", ensure the context clearly defines the nature of the difficulty. Providing specific examples or elaborating on the challenges involved will enhance clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a difficult period of" as a generic descriptor. Instead, specify what made the period difficult. For instance, instead of "the company went through a difficult period of change", specify "the company went through a difficult period of restructuring due to declining sales".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult period of" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a specific span of time characterized by hardship or adversity. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

11%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a difficult period of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes a time marked by hardship or adversity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and applicable across various contexts. While the phrase is prevalent in news and media, it is also found in encyclopedias, wikis, and scientific publications. To enhance clarity, it is recommended to provide specific details about the challenges encountered during the described period. Alternatives such as "a challenging time of" or "a tough phase of" may be used to convey subtly different nuances. The phrase is a versatile way to communicate the presence of hardship in a neutral and informative manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging time of

Focuses on the demanding nature of the time.

a tough phase of

Highlights the temporary nature and the resilience required.

a trying time of

Emphasizes the stress and strain experienced.

a hard spell of

Indicates a limited duration of hardship.

a rough patch of

Suggests a minor, albeit unpleasant, setback.

a troublesome phase of

Focuses on the problems and complications involved.

a testing time of

Highlights the evaluation and endurance involved.

a demanding stretch of

Emphasizes the high requirements and effort needed.

a critical juncture of

Emphasizes a decision point, with possibly difficult implications.

a precarious moment of

Highlights instability and potential danger.

FAQs

How can I use "a difficult period of" in a sentence?

You can use "a difficult period of" to describe a challenging or troublesome time in someone's life or a specific situation. For example, "The company experienced a difficult period of financial instability".

What are some alternatives to "a difficult period of"?

Alternatives include "a challenging time of", "a tough phase of", or "a trying time of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a difficult period" or "a challenging time"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "a difficult period" tends to emphasize the hardship or adversity involved, while "a challenging time" might focus more on the effort and growth that can result from the experience.

What kind of situations does "a difficult period of" usually describe?

"A difficult period of" can refer to various situations, such as economic downturns, personal losses, organizational changes, or any phase marked by significant challenges and hardships. It's often used to describe "a difficult period of transition".