a dreadful time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dreadful time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period that was very unpleasant or difficult. Example: "During the storm, we had a dreadful time trying to find shelter and stay safe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

She took over at a dreadful time.

The Economist

"Explanations take such a dreadful time".

The Guardian - Books

He has been through a dreadful time.

The Guardian

Newspapers and magazines are having a dreadful time.

The Economist

I think it's a dreadful time of life".

The New Yorker

"But they're having a dreadful time convincing the national governments".

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

It was a dreadful, dreadful time (at one point, due to the sheer onslaught of reports, I very nearly learned the name of a football manager).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Only Idle, who was in a Midlands orphanage between the ages of 7 and 19, seems to have had a truly dreadful time growing up.

The New York Times - Books

The push for Catalan independence has cultural and linguistic roots, even as its rise coincides with a particularly dreadful time for Spain's economy.Catalan pleas for relief from the central government's austerity policies have tended to fall on deaf ears, sparking further resentment.

The Economist

It was an absolutely dreadful time.

Independent

"The entire community will be devastated by this and I know everyone will want to support the families at this dreadful time". A decision on her planned speech due at the conference on Wednesday will be made later.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a dreadful time" to convey strong negative feelings or significant difficulties experienced during a specific period. It's suitable for expressing personal hardship or describing broader negative events.

Common error

While "a dreadful time" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or professional writing where more neutral or precise language may be preferred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dreadful time" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a period characterized by unpleasantness or difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dreadful time" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a period marked by unpleasant experiences or difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability, noting its frequent usage in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal settings. Consider alternatives like "a terrible experience" or "a challenging period" to adjust the tone and formality of your writing. The phrase's primary function is to express negative experiences, making it a useful tool for conveying hardship or misfortune.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a terrible experience

Focuses more on the subjective experience of something being unpleasant.

an awful ordeal

Emphasizes the challenging and difficult nature of the experience.

a difficult period

More neutral and general, simply indicating a time of hardship.

a trying moment

Highlights a specific moment that was challenging or stressful.

a rough patch

Suggests a temporary period of difficulty.

a challenging phase

Implies a stage in a process that presented difficulties.

a painful chapter

Highlights emotional distress and negative feelings.

a spell of adversity

Focuses on facing unfortunate circumstances or challenges.

a period of suffering

Emphasizes the experience of pain and distress during a specific time.

a spell of misfortune

Highlights bad luck or unfavorable circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "a dreadful time" to describe a period marked by unhappiness or hardship. For example: "She had "a dreadful time" during the recession because she lost her job."

What are some alternatives to "a dreadful time"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a terrible experience", "an awful ordeal", or "a difficult period".

Is it better to say "a dreadful time" or "a terrible time"?

"A dreadful time" and "a terrible time" are largely interchangeable and depend on personal preference. "Dreadful" might suggest a slightly stronger sense of unpleasantness.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a dreadful time"?

Avoid using "a dreadful time" in very formal or professional contexts where a more neutral expression might be more suitable. In such cases, consider "a challenging period" or "a difficult phase".