a terrible time for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a terrible time for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or period that is particularly difficult or unfortunate for someone or something. Example: "This is a terrible time for the economy, as many businesses are struggling to stay afloat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

It was a terrible time for her.

The Guardian

But this is a terrible time for my partner.

The New York Times

This is a terrible time for almost everyone.

The New York Times

This should be a terrible time for Ashanti.

The New York Times - Arts

It was a terrible time for the planet and, briefly, a great time for the party.

The Guardian

A GOLDEN wedding is a terrible time for a marital crisis.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

February is a terrible time of year for Northeastern roads.

Forbes

In Orange County, Geraldine Gerken, 77, said, "I had a terrible time hunting for the names".

The New York Times

But if I don't speak now, and speak from the heart, and halt things now, I foresee a terrible time ahead for me.

The New Yorker

Stuart Rothenberg, a nonpartisan analyst of Congressional races, said the potential ethics trials would come at a terrible time politically for Democrats and would saddle them with another liability headed into an already difficult November.

The New York Times

She had a terrible time having babies, for instance, but she's wonderfully domestic: she's a terrific cook.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a terrible time for", clearly specify who or what is experiencing the difficulty or misfortune. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "a terrible time for" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a difficult period for" or "a challenging moment for" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a terrible time for" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating that a particular period or situation is causing significant difficulty or distress for a specific entity. As Ludwig confirms, it is a valid and frequently used expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a terrible time for" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a period or situation that presents significant challenges or difficulties for someone or something. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's prevalent in news and media, as well as formal business contexts. While versatile, varying your phrasing using synonyms like "a difficult period for" or "a challenging moment for" can enhance your writing. Remember to clearly specify who or what is experiencing the "terrible time" to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult period for

Focuses on the difficulty of the time, rather than explicitly stating it's terrible.

a challenging moment for

Emphasizes the challenge posed by the situation.

an unfortunate time for

Highlights the bad luck or unfavorable circumstances.

a bad time for

A more general and less intense way of expressing the negative situation.

a crisis for

Indicates a turning point or moment of danger and instability.

a rough patch for

Implies a temporary period of hardship or difficulty.

a setback for

Focuses on the hindrance or obstacle caused by the situation.

an inopportune moment for

Stresses the unsuitability or inappropriateness of the timing.

an inauspicious time for

Highlights the unfavorable or unlucky nature of the period.

a dark hour for

Suggests a time of great distress, suffering, or hopelessness.

FAQs

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

Use "a terrible time for" to describe a period or situation that is particularly difficult or unfortunate for someone or something. For example, "This is "a terrible time for" small businesses due to the economic downturn".

What's a less dramatic alternative to "a terrible time for"?

Consider using phrases like "a difficult period for", "a challenging time for", or "an unfortunate time for" if you want to convey a similar meaning with less intensity.

Is "a terrible time for" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "a terrible time for" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news and business contexts. However, for highly formal or academic writing, you might opt for a more nuanced phrase like "a critical juncture for" or "a precarious moment for".

Which is correct, "a terrible time for" or "a terribly time for"?

"A terrible time for" is the correct and idiomatic phrase. "Terribly" is an adverb and doesn't fit the grammatical structure of this expression, which requires an adjective ("terrible") to modify the noun ("time").