a rough patch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a rough patch' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a period of time when someone is experiencing difficulties, challenges, or hard times. For example, "John has been going through a rough patch lately, but he's determined to make it through."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

during a rough patch.

The New York Times - Magazine

He hit a rough patch.

The Washington Post

Rostock has been through a rough patch.

The Economist

A rough patch in their marriage?

The New York Times

Yes, recycling is in a rough patch.

The New York Times

"Then we hit a rough patch.

The New York Times

"Pakistan is going through a rough patch.

The Guardian

Then he hit a rough patch.

The Guardian

Steven Ballmer is going through a rough patch.

The New York Times

That led to a rough patch in our relationship.

Stanford University

It's going to be a rough patch for Darwin.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a rough patch" to describe a temporary period of difficulty in someone's life, a business, or even an abstract concept like an economy or relationship. For example, "The company went through a rough patch after the new regulations were introduced."

Common error

Avoid using "a rough patch" for situations that are extremely severe or long-lasting. A situation that has no end in sight is better described using phrases like "ongoing crisis" or "long-term struggle".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rough patch" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes a period of difficulty or hardship. For instance, 'They are going through "a rough patch"' uses it as the object of the preposition 'through'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rough patch" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a period of difficulty or hardship. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its usage spans across various contexts, from personal relationships to economic downturns, and is widely accepted in both formal and informal communication. While the phrase can be used in many situations, you should choose the right word according to the context, but according to the analysis it is mostly used on "News & Media".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult period

Emphasizes the challenge and duration of the hardship.

a challenging time

Focuses on the demanding nature of the experience.

a period of adversity

Highlights the unfavorable conditions faced.

a spell of trouble

Indicates a temporary phase of difficulties.

a tough situation

Underlines the demanding circumstances encountered.

a bad time

A more general term for experiencing hardship.

a hard time

Similar to "a bad time" but with a slightly stronger emphasis on effort.

a crisis

Suggests a more severe and urgent situation.

a setback

Refers to a specific event that delays progress.

an ordeal

Implies a painful or horrific experience.

FAQs

How can I use "a rough patch" in a sentence?

You can use "a rough patch" to describe a difficult period in various contexts. For example, "Their relationship went through "a rough patch" after they moved to a new city" or "The economy is experiencing "a rough patch" due to rising inflation."

What are some alternatives to saying "a rough patch"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a difficult period", "a challenging time", or "a period of adversity" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "going through a rough patch"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "going through "a rough patch"" is a common and accepted idiom used to describe experiencing a difficult period.

What's the difference between "a rough patch" and "a rocky road"?

While both phrases imply challenges, ""a rough patch"" typically refers to a specific period of difficulty, whereas "a rocky road" suggests a more prolonged and consistently uneven journey. You might say a company hit ""a rough patch"" due to a specific event, but their overall business strategy has been "a rocky road" for years.