a sad time for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sad time for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a period of sorrow or difficulty for someone or something. Example: "The passing of our beloved pet was a sad time for the entire family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

It was a sad time for Flamengo".

The New York Times

This is a sad time for us".

The New York Times

It's been a sad time for us".

The Guardian

It's a sad time for her.

The New York Times

A beacon of hope at a sad time for all.

The New Yorker

It's a sad time for art and for the art world".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Factor in the upcoming holiday season, a time when most of us are celebrating with loved ones, and it can be a sad time of the year for displaced or disadvantaged kids.

Huffington Post

This is a sad time indeed for slackers, shirkers and those far too cool to run.

Independent

"It's a very sad time for a lot of people.

The New York Times

Phil Noake, Didcot A's station manager, called it a "very sad time for everyone at the power station".

BBC

That was a very hard time, a very sad time for me.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sad time for", ensure the context clearly explains why the time is sad and who or what is affected by the sadness.

Common error

Avoid using "a sad time for" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with alternatives like "a difficult period", "a sorrowful moment", or more specific descriptions of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sad time for" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies or describes a period marked by unhappiness or adversity. Ludwig confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sad time for" is a commonly used phrase to describe a period marked by sorrow or difficulty. It functions as a noun phrase and serves to express empathy or concern, as shown in the Ludwig examples. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its neutral register makes it versatile for various communication styles. Remember to provide clear context when using this phrase and consider alternatives to avoid repetition. Ludwig confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult period for

Replaces "sad" with "difficult" focusing on the challenging aspect of the time.

a sorrowful moment for

Substitutes "time" with "moment", emphasizing a specific instance of sadness.

a period of grief for

Replaces "sad time" with "period of grief", highlighting the feeling of bereavement.

a time of mourning for

Emphasizes the act of mourning, implying a formal expression of sorrow.

an unfortunate chapter for

Uses "unfortunate chapter" to describe a negative period in a more literary way.

a trying moment for

Focuses on the challenging and testing aspect of the experience.

a heart-wrenching experience for

Highlights the emotional pain and distress associated with the time.

a depressing phase for

Emphasizes the discouraging nature of the time.

a regrettable situation for

Focuses on the feeling of regret and the undesirable circumstances.

an unhappy occasion for

Replaces "sad time" with "unhappy occasion", softening the intensity of the sadness.

FAQs

How can I use "a sad time for" in a sentence?

Use "a sad time for" to express sorrow or difficulty experienced by someone or something, such as, "The closure of the factory was "a sad time for" the community".

What can I say instead of "a sad time for"?

You can use alternatives like "a difficult period for", "a sorrowful moment for", or "a period of grief for" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a sad time for" in formal writing?

Yes, "a sad time for" is appropriate for formal writing, but consider the tone and audience. More formal alternatives might be preferable in some contexts. Consider alternatives like "a difficult period for" or "a challenging time for".

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

"A sad time for" emphasizes the emotional aspect of sorrow, while "a difficult time for" focuses on the challenges and hardships faced. The choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.