a rugged time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rugged time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a difficult or challenging period in someone's life or experience. Example: "After losing his job, he went through a rugged time, struggling to make ends meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It's been a rugged time, candidly," Mr. Specter said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sean talked for a bit about the rugged time he'd had getting through North Dakota, from Minot to Williston, where an oil and construction boom has made motel rooms and even campsites scarce and has rendered the roads dangerous with truck traffic.

The New York Times

These are kids who have gone through some pretty rugged times.

The New York Times

Along the southern coast the land drops away from a 2,000-foot (600-metre) plateau, backed by a rugged escarpment three times as high, to meet the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the 19th century, scientists were unraveling the story of geology and rolling back the age of the earth, and that led artists to the view that wilderness was ancient and eternal, a rugged echo of deep time.

The New York Times

The remaining movements of the Sextet are written in that vein, with haunting string effects and at times a rugged Bartokian style.

The New York Times

At high Sn contents and short times, a cellular film with a rugged interface was obtained which evolved into a compact film with a scalloped interface as the Sn content decreased and exposure time increased.

Acta Materialia

Our national sport is actually lacrosse, a rugged game taken from the Iroquois word meaning "to kill time until the pond freezes over".

The New York Times

At the same time Japan's 10th Army was storming Yuhuatai, a rugged plateau situated directly in front of Zhonghua Gate on Nanking's southern side.

Wikipedia

There may have been a time in American history when boots had straps, when a rugged individuality was extolled and this myth was created.

Huffington Post

He was handsome in a rugged sort of way and dignified; almost British military, I thought at the time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a rugged time", ensure the context clearly establishes the nature of the difficulty or challenge being described. Provide specific details to enhance understanding and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a rugged time" too frequently in your writing. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "a difficult period" or "a challenging phase".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rugged time" functions as a noun phrase where "rugged" modifies the noun "time". The adjective "rugged" gives a qualitative description, indicating a period marked by difficulty, hardship or challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rugged time" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrase used to describe a challenging period. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While its usage is relatively rare, mainly appearing in News & Media, it effectively conveys difficulty and hardship. For more formal settings, consider using alternatives such as "a difficult period". Remember to provide specific details when using the phrase to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult period

Replaces "rugged" with "difficult", emphasizing the challenging nature of the time.

a challenging phase

Substitutes "time" with "phase", suggesting a specific stage marked by challenges.

a tough situation

Replaces "time" with "situation", shifting the focus to the circumstances.

a hard experience

Focuses on the personal impact and difficulty encountered.

a trying ordeal

Emphasizes the testing and stressful nature of the experience.

a painful chapter

Uses "chapter" metaphorically to describe a particularly unpleasant period.

a testing moment

Highlights the aspect of being tested or challenged by the situation.

a period of adversity

Formal alternative emphasizing hardship and misfortune.

a spell of hardship

Indicates a limited duration of difficulty or privation.

a season of struggle

Implies an extended period of significant effort and difficulty.

FAQs

What does "a rugged time" mean?

The phrase "a rugged time" describes a period that is difficult, challenging, and possibly harsh or unpleasant. It suggests a time filled with obstacles and tests of resilience.

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

You can use "a rugged time" to describe any period marked by difficulty. For example: "After the company downsized, many employees went through a rugged time trying to find new jobs."

What can I say instead of "a rugged time"?

You can use alternatives like "a difficult period", "a challenging phase", or "a tough situation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a rugged time" formal or informal?

"A rugged time" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "a period of adversity".