a rough month for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rough month for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenging or difficult period experienced by someone or something. Example: "It has been a rough month for the team, with several unexpected setbacks affecting our progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

December was a rough month for him and the Jets, beginning with a 45-3 loss to New England on Dec. 6; a 10-6 loss to Miami the next weekend in which a coach on the sideline tripped an opposing player; and a 38-34 loss at Chicago last weekend.

The New York Times - Sports

September was a rough month for people with large portfolios.

Forbes

July would turn out to be a rough month for the Halls, as Sara finished ninth in the Olympic Trials fifteen hundred metres, failing to make the team.

The New Yorker

"It was a rough month for everybody," said Mike Michaels, a spokesman for Toyota.

The New York Times

"This has been a rough month for hair," said Charles DiMartino, 64, a co-owner of the salon.

The New York Times

"This has been a rough month for our customers," Mr. Warrington said at the agency's headquarters here.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

It's been a rough January for many people, and this is one of the first things to really get my blood going.

The New Yorker

Needless to say, it's been a rough month or so for the meal kit company.

TechCrunch

10. "your in for a rough month".

Huffington Post

Sorry, Ms. Sebelius, but your in for a rough month.

Huffington Post

Nokia is having a rough month.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a rough month for", clearly specify who or what experienced the difficult period to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid vaguely attributing a difficult month to external factors without providing specific details. Instead, clearly link the difficulties to concrete events or circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rough month for" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying the noun that follows. It indicates a period of difficulty or hardship experienced by the specified subject, as confirmed by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a rough month for" is a common and acceptable way to describe a period of difficulty or hardship. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who or what experienced the difficult month and linking it to concrete events. Consider alternatives like "a challenging month for" or "a difficult month for" depending on the context and desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging month for

Replaces "rough" with "challenging", focusing on the demanding nature of the month.

a difficult month for

Substitutes "rough" with "difficult", highlighting the hardship experienced.

a tough month for

Uses "tough" instead of "rough", emphasizing the resilience required to endure the month.

a hard month for

Uses "hard" instead of "rough", implying a month filled with labor and obstacles.

a trying month for

Replaces "rough" with "trying", suggesting a month that tests one's patience and endurance.

a testing month for

Substitutes "rough" with "testing", highlighting the trials and examinations faced.

an unpleasant month for

Substitutes "rough" with "unpleasant", focusing on the negative experiences during the month.

a problematic month for

Replaces "rough" with "problematic", emphasizing the issues and complications encountered.

a burdensome month for

Uses "burdensome" instead of "rough", focusing on the weight and responsibility experienced.

a grim month for

Replaces "rough" with "grim", emphasizing the bleak and somber nature of the month.

FAQs

What does the phrase "a rough month for" mean?

The phrase "a rough month for" describes a period of approximately four weeks characterized by difficulties, challenges, or setbacks for a particular person, group, or entity.

What can I say instead of "a rough month for"?

You can use alternatives like "a challenging month for", "a difficult month for", or "a tough month for" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a rough month for" in formal writing?

Yes, "a rough month for" is suitable for most writing contexts, including formal ones, as it is a common and easily understood expression. However, consider the specific tone and audience to determine if a more formal alternative is preferable.

How can I use "a rough month for" in a sentence?

You can use "a rough month for" by placing it before the subject experiencing the difficulty, such as, "It has been a rough month for the company due to supply chain issues."