a gloomy time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a gloomy time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period characterized by sadness, darkness, or a lack of hope. Example: "After the news of the layoffs, it felt like a gloomy time for everyone in the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"West Moon Street" is the kind of play at which it is virtually impossible to have a gloomy time.

The New York Times

"This is a gloomy time in our lives, people are fearful and there is a lot of paranoia around," he says.

The Guardian - Money

The impending death of the Tevatron adds to a gloomy time for American science, coming as it does just as NASA has announced that its flagship project, the James Webb Space Telescope, is $1.6 billion over budget and will be years late, knocking the pins out from under hopes of mounting a mission anytime soon to investigate the dark energy that is boosting the expansion of the universe.

The New York Times - Science

It's a gloomy time in media, with frequent announcements of layoffs and shutdowns (it even happened today).

TechCrunch

It's a gloomy time for Wisconsin Democrats.

Huffington Post

It was a gloomy time and it formed in me a belief that our nation's leaders could not be trusted, ever.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

She seems to have had a rather gloomy time.

The Economist

This makes for a lonely, gloomy time, unless the expat in question is young, single, fluent in English and gregarious.In China a senior executive at a state-owned firm is a big fish.

The Economist

They tended to share the opinion of Ben Wattenberg, who had just left the White House after serving for two and a half years as an aide and speechwriter to President Johnson, and who, a day before the Inauguration, had written, in an article called "Upbeat Auguries Belie the Alarmists," "In all, we have lived through a somewhat gloomy time.

The New Yorker

The holiday season can be a particularly gloomy time for bedridden patients, especially when contrasted to the world outside.

Huffington Post

This was an emotionally gloomy time, so I just didn't add to it.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a gloomy time" to describe a specific period or situation characterized by negativity, sadness, or unfavorable circumstances. It's particularly effective when you want to evoke a sense of somberness or misfortune associated with that time.

Common error

Avoid using "a gloomy time" too frequently in casual conversation. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly dramatic or formal in everyday scenarios. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a bad time" or "a tough period" for more natural communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a gloomy time" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI highlights that it describes a period characterized by negative emotions or unfavorable conditions. Examples show it used to depict economic downturns or periods of personal hardship.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a gloomy time" serves as a descriptive noun phrase used to portray periods marked by sadness, negativity, or hardship. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for expressing a somber atmosphere. Though not overly frequent, the phrase appears primarily in news and media contexts. While grammatically sound, be mindful of its potential for sounding overly dramatic in informal settings, opting for simpler alternatives when appropriate. Overall, "a gloomy time" effectively conveys a sense of misfortune associated with a specific period or situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a period of sadness

Highlights the emotional state dominating the time.

a difficult period

Focuses on the challenges and hardships experienced during the time.

a depressing stage

Focuses on the emotional low and negativity during that stage.

a dark era

Emphasizes the negativity and lack of hope associated with the time.

a trying interval

Focuses on the demanding and stressful nature of the interval.

a bleak phase

Implies a sense of desolation and lack of promise during the time.

a sorrowful chapter

Presents the time as a segment filled with grief and lament.

a cheerless season

Underscores the lack of joy and festivity characterizing the time.

an unhappy moment

Conveys a general sense of discontent during that moment.

an oppressive duration

Highlights the burdensome and restrictive nature of the duration.

FAQs

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

You can use "a gloomy time" to describe a period marked by sadness or difficulty. For example, "The recession was "a gloomy time" for many families."

What phrases are similar to "a gloomy time"?

Alternatives to "a gloomy time" include "a difficult period", "a dark era", or "a period of sadness".

Is it better to say "a gloomy time" or "gloomy times"?

Both "a gloomy time" and "gloomy times" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "A gloomy time" refers to a specific instance, while "gloomy times" refers to a more general or recurring period of hardship.

What's the difference between "a gloomy time" and "a sad time"?

While both phrases describe periods of unhappiness, ""a gloomy time"" often implies a broader sense of darkness or foreboding, while "a sad time" focuses more directly on the feeling of sadness.