a time of testing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a time of testing' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this phrase when talking about someone going through a difficult period of their life or when describing a situation where a person is being tested in some way. For example: "The coronavirus pandemic has been a time of testing for many people around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

During these last few months, I have been humbled and privileged to see the true character of this country in a time of testing.

The New York Times

"My fellow citizens, we have come now to a time of testing.

Los Angeles Times

For others, it is also a time of testing and a time for faith.

The New York Times

This is a time of testing -- this time of testing has revealed the true character of the American people.

The New York Times

In a time of testing, we cannot find security by abandoning our commitments and retreating within our borders.

The New York Times

"This is a time of testing for this administration," Mr. Suozzi acknowledged at a recent news conference here.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

For the Brooklyn-based band, the making ofBoxer was also a time of tested relationships.

The Guardian - Music

Two procedures i.e. static and accelerated methods were studied to achieve the acceptable reliability within a reasonable time of testing.

Construction and Building Materials

Patients were at different stages of their disease or may not have had an established diagnosis at the time of testing.

Annals of Oncology

Participants had a range of mood symptoms at time of testing.

Psychiatry Research

The dried samples were collected and stored in a sealed plastic container till the time of testing.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a time of testing", consider the specific qualities being tested (e.g., resilience, faith, leadership) to provide a more nuanced understanding of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a time of testing" in overly dramatic or clichéd contexts. Instead, strive for specificity and clarity to make your writing more impactful. For instance, rather than simply stating it's a time of testing, explain what aspects are being tested and why it matters.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a time of testing" is that of a noun phrase acting as a descriptor of a period or situation. It frequently serves as a subject complement or an appositive, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a time of testing" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe periods marked by challenges and evaluations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is accurate and applicable in various contexts. While not extremely common, it finds usage in news, scientific literature, and encyclopedic entries. When employing this phrase, consider specifying what qualities are being tested for a more impactful message. Alternative phrases like "a period of trial" or "a challenging phase" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a period of trial

Replaces 'testing' with 'trial', emphasizing the challenging nature of the period.

a moment of reckoning

Suggests a point where consequences or truths are revealed.

a challenging phase

Focuses on the demanding and difficult aspects of the stage.

a season of adversity

Highlights the difficulties and hardships experienced during the period.

a period of hardship

Emphasizes the difficult and strenuous conditions experienced.

a crucible moment

Implies a severe test or trial that leads to transformation.

an era of tribulation

Suggests a time marked by suffering and distress.

a stress test

More directly refers to a situation designed to evaluate limits or resilience.

a proving ground

Highlights the opportunity to demonstrate capability or worth.

an evaluation period

Suggests formal examination or assessment.

FAQs

How can I use "a time of testing" in a sentence?

You can use "a time of testing" to describe a period when someone or something is facing significant challenges or trials. For example, "The economic recession was "a time of testing" for many small businesses".

What's a more formal alternative to "a time of testing"?

A more formal alternative could be "a period of tribulation" or "a challenging phase", depending on the specific context. The phrase "a period of trial" could also work.

What are some less formal ways to say "a time of testing"?

Less formal options include phrases like "a tough time" or "a challenging situation". The exact phrase will depend on what aspect of the testing you want to emphasize.

How does "a time of testing" differ from "a time of change"?

"A time of testing" specifically implies challenges and evaluations, whereas "a time of change" simply indicates a period when things are different. A time of testing can certainly involve change, but not all change constitutes a test.