a horrible time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a horrible time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a negative or unpleasant experience that someone has gone through. Example: "During the storm, we had a horrible time trying to find shelter and stay safe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a horrible time.

Independent

It was a horrible time, and haunting.

The New York Times

She's having a horrible time in there.

The New York Times

"It was a horrible time," he said.

The New York Times

Higgins adds: "It's been a horrible time".

The Guardian - Sport

By all accounts, Johnson had a horrible time.

Independent

"It was quite a horrible time," Debbie said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was really depressing, a horrible time, to be honest.

The Guardian - Sport

She had a horrible time there, and so did we.

The Guardian - Travel

"It was such a horrible time in our lives.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a horrible time for my family.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a horrible time", ensure the context clearly establishes what made the time unpleasant or difficult. Providing specific details can enhance the impact and understanding for the reader.

Common error

While "a horrible time" is common, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with alternatives like "a dreadful time" or "a terrible time" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a horrible time" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a period or experience characterized by unpleasantness or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a horrible time" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an unpleasant experience. Ludwig AI validates its broad use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While effective, it's important to use this phrase thoughtfully, ensuring the context clearly illustrates the source of the negativity. Consider varying your language with alternatives like "a dreadful time" or "a terrible time" to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement. Remember that while expressing negativity, the register remains neutral and easily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dreadful time

This alternative suggests a sense of fear and disappointment.

a terrible time

This suggests an experience of considerable suffering or distress.

an awful experience

This emphasizes the unpleasant and shocking nature of the event.

a harrowing experience

This highlights the distressing or traumatic aspect of the time.

a miserable period

This focuses on the unhappiness and discomfort experienced.

a painful chapter

This suggests an experience that caused emotional or physical pain.

a trying ordeal

This emphasizes the difficult and challenging nature of the experience.

a rough patch

This indicates a period of difficulty or hardship.

a difficult phase

This denotes a challenging stage or period in one's life.

an unpleasant experience

This is a general term for something that was not enjoyable.

FAQs

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

You can use "a horrible time" to describe an unpleasant or difficult experience. For example, "I had a horrible time dealing with the heavy traffic on my way to work."

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

You can use alternatives like "a dreadful time", "a terrible time", or "an awful experience" to express a similar sentiment.

Is it correct to say "I am having a horrible time"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "I am having a horrible time". This phrase indicates that you are currently experiencing an unpleasant or difficult situation.

What's the difference between "a horrible time" and "a bad time"?

"A bad time" is a more general and less intense way to describe an unpleasant experience. "A horrible time" suggests a more severe or distressing experience. "A horrible time" implies something significantly more negative than just "a bad time".