a thin time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thin time" is not commonly used in written English and may not be widely recognized.
It could be used to describe a period of difficulty or hardship, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "During the economic downturn, many families experienced a thin time, struggling to make ends meet."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It was a thin time.

The New Yorker

Shatner, I later learnt, was having a thin time.

The Guardian

"High officials" have never had such a thin time.

The Guardian

If you can't manage a little rough-and-tumble you will have a thin time of it.

The Guardian - Music

Widows had a thin time of it in countries that adopted the post-revolution Napoleonic code, and still do in southern Europe.

The Economist

August, customarily a thin time for dance in the city, also brought two dance events that expanded my idea of America.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It revels in the delights of wilfully plastic dance pop in an era when lesser dance-pop artists – from Rachel Stevens to Price's protege Juliet – are having a desperately thin time of it".

Wikipedia

One is to enclose the lithium anode in a thin film 5,000 times thinner than a human hair of carbon "nanospheres".

The Economist

There is a blockage here, a sense of riches to be cashed in now before the thin times to come.

The Guardian - Sport

Even in thin times his best tends to come against the best.

The Guardian - Sport

They've supported it through mostly thin times.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing economic conditions or business performance, consider using "a lean period" or "a time of scarcity" instead of "a thin time" for clarity and broader recognition.

Common error

Avoid using "a thin time" in highly formal writing such as academic papers or business reports; it might be perceived as less professional than alternatives like "a period of hardship" or "economic downturn."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thin time" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a period characterized by difficulty or scarcity, as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a thin time" describes a period marked by hardship or scarcity. While grammatically sound, Ludwig AI flags it as not being very common. It tends to appear in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral register. For clarity and wider recognition, especially in formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "a difficult period" or "a lean period". While understandable, Ludwig's examples suggest that using alternative phrases could enhance clarity and impact depending on the specific nuance to be conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hard time

Highlights the adversity and suffering experienced.

a time of hardship

Directly states the presence of difficulties and struggles.

a lean period

Emphasizes the lack of resources or abundance during the time.

a tough phase

Indicates a challenging stage or segment of time.

a difficult period

Focuses on the challenging nature of the time, rather than its scarcity.

a time of adversity

Highlights the unfavorable or challenging circumstances.

a period of scarcity

Specifically refers to a lack of essential resources or provisions.

a time of privation

Emphasizes the lack of basic necessities or comforts.

a struggle

A more concise way to refer to a period of difficulty.

a period of austerity

Implies strict economic measures and reduced spending.

FAQs

What does "a thin time" mean?

The phrase "a thin time" generally refers to a period of hardship, scarcity, or difficulty. It suggests a lack of resources, opportunities, or overall well-being during that period.

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

You can use alternatives like "a hard time", "a difficult period", or "a lean period" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a thin time" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a thin time" is grammatically correct, but it's not a very common or widely recognized phrase in contemporary English. While understandable, it might sound slightly unusual to some speakers.

When is it appropriate to use "a thin time"?

It's appropriate to use "a thin time" in informal or literary contexts where you want to evoke a sense of scarcity or hardship. However, in formal writing, consider using more common alternatives for better clarity and impact.