a stressful time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stressful time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a period characterized by high levels of stress or anxiety. Example: "The past few months have been a stressful time for everyone at the company due to the ongoing changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Stress: It's a stressful time.

Huffington Post

"It's a way to offer stress-free shopping at a stressful time," said Paula Kelliher, the mall's marketing director.

The New York Times

It has been a stressful time.

The New Yorker

It was a stressful time for Kubota.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's a stressful time for students.

Independent

That was a stressful time.

The New York Times - Sports

"Being a student is a stressful time.

The Guardian

"It was a stressful time," Burnett said.

The New York Times

It is indeed a stressful time.

The New York Times

He added, "It is a stressful time for everyone".

The New York Times

This is not a stressful time in my life.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation as "a stressful time", be specific about the cause of the stress to provide clarity and context for your audience.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "a stressful time" without explaining why. Provide specific details to help your reader understand the nature and intensity of the stress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stressful time" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies a specific period or duration characterized by elevated stress levels. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a stressful time" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe periods marked by high levels of anxiety and pressure. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and offers example sentences from reliable sources. It frequently appears in News & Media and Science contexts. Alternatives include "a difficult period" or "a challenging phase". When using the phrase, providing specific context about the source of stress enhances clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult period

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

a challenging phase

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the time, framing it as a test or opportunity for growth.

a trying period

Highlights the testing or straining quality of the time.

a tough situation

Shifts the focus from time to the overall circumstances, emphasizing their difficulty.

a period of pressure

Highlights the feeling of being burdened or strained during the time.

a period of hardship

Stresses the adversity and suffering associated with the time.

a time of adversity

Focuses on unfavorable conditions and challenges faced during the time.

a taxing experience

Emphasizes the draining or burdensome nature of the time.

a period of unease

Focuses on the anxiety and discomfort experienced during the time.

a time of turmoil

Highlights the state of disturbance and confusion during the time.

FAQs

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

You can use "a stressful time" to describe a period filled with anxiety and pressure. For example, "The holidays can be "a stressful time" for many families."

What are some alternatives to "a stressful time"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a difficult period", "a challenging phase", or "a trying period".

Is it better to say "a stressful time" or "a stressful moment"?

The choice depends on the duration. "A stressful moment" refers to a short instance, while "a stressful time" refers to a longer period.

What makes something "a stressful time"?

"A stressful time" is characterized by events or circumstances that cause significant anxiety, worry, or emotional strain. This could be due to work pressure, financial difficulties, or personal challenges.