a dire time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dire time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is extremely serious, urgent, or critical. Example: "During the economic crisis, many families found themselves in a dire time, struggling to make ends meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The Moore signing comes at a dire time.

The New York Times - Sports

Looked at in one way, this summer was a dire time for deal-making.

The New York Times

It was a dire time: I could barely speak about what had happened.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To raise these queries is not to play gotcha, or to be judgmental in a dire time.

The New York Times

Dance may be in for a dire time, judging by the "Fresh Tracks" program on Saturday night at Dance Theater Workshop.

The New York Times - Arts

The shift here comes at a dire time for criminal justice budgets around the country, as states try to navigate conflicting, politically charged demands: to keep people safe and also cut costs.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

This was actually a fairly dire time for Pixar because we were having difficulty getting an investor at the terms we wanted.

Huffington Post

They often sound warnings about how hard the adjustment to retirement will be and how Americans' meager savings will mean that this will be a dark, perhaps dire, time of their lives.

Forbes

At this dire time a board member Arthur Rock, one of the earliest electronics venture capitalists took the lead, and demanded accountability from both Jobs and Sculley at the board meeting in February.

Forbes

"It's good to have some release in this dire time," she added, "at a price point you can afford".

The New York Times

Often it's a sense of urgency, a sense of dire times, that can make a poem searingly lucid".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "a dire time" with strong verbs to emphasize the intensity of the situation. For example, "The company faced a dire time as sales plummeted" is more impactful than "The company was in a dire time".

Common error

Avoid using "a dire time" to describe situations that are merely inconvenient or slightly challenging. This phrase is best reserved for truly critical or life-threatening scenarios to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dire time" functions as a noun phrase, where "dire" is an adjective modifying the noun "time". It typically serves to describe a period characterized by extreme difficulty, urgency, or danger. As per Ludwig, the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dire time" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a period of extreme difficulty or crisis. According to Ludwig, it is correctly used and is most frequently found in News & Media contexts. While not exceedingly common, it effectively conveys the severity of a situation and prompts an understanding of urgency. When using this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with the intended meaning and consider alternatives like "a critical juncture" or "a crisis period" to add nuance. Be mindful of overusing the phrase in less serious situations to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crisis period

Highlights the element of crisis and instability within the timeframe.

a critical juncture

Emphasizes the decisiveness and potential turning point of the situation.

a crucial moment

Emphasizes the importance and potential consequences of the situation.

an emergency situation

Highlights the urgent need for action due to the severity of the circumstances.

a period of adversity

Highlights the hardship and unfavorable conditions experienced during that time.

a precarious situation

Focuses on the instability and risk associated with the time.

a difficult moment

Focuses on the challenging aspect of the situation, downplaying the intensity.

a challenging period

Highlights the difficulties and tests faced during that time.

a troublesome phase

Suggests a period marked by problems and difficulties.

a tough stretch

Informal way to describe a period of hardship or difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "a dire time" in a sentence?

You can use "a dire time" to describe a period of extreme difficulty or crisis, such as "The nation faced "a dire time" during the pandemic".

What are some alternatives to saying "a dire time"?

Alternatives include "a critical juncture", "a crisis period", or "a difficult moment", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a dire time" in formal writing?

Yes, "a dire time" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news reports or academic analyses where you need to convey the seriousness of a situation. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong description.

What distinguishes "a dire time" from "a difficult time"?

"A dire time" suggests a situation that is extremely serious or dangerous, implying significant negative consequences. "A difficult time" is a more general term that can refer to any challenging period, even without extreme consequences.