a time of trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a time of trouble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period characterized by difficulties or challenges, often in a personal, social, or historical context. Example: "During a time of trouble, the community came together to support one another and find solutions to their problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Union officials said that they were not trying to pressure Bridgestone at a time of trouble.

The New York Times

Yet in a time of trouble, most of us still have faith.

The New York Times - Arts

Prophesying in a time of trouble is always tempting, but rarely useful.

The New York Times

"I wasn't going to leave her in a time of trouble".

The New York Times

Mr. Kelly said he did not witness the officers' courthouse conduct, but added, "I think it's understandable that officers rally around when there's a time of trouble".

The New York Times

It dramatizes the pious men's devotion to the residents of the nearby town and refusal to renounce their calling in a time of trouble.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Like Lyndon Johnson, President Obama understands that timidity in a time of troubles is a prescription for failure.

The New York Times

Teotihuacán power waned after about 600, and a "time of troubles" ensued, during which a number of states and nascent empires competed for supremacy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was also more downbeat than a second speech he gave at Stanford in 1998, titled The Case for Strategic Patience in a Time of Troubles.

The New York Times

As elsewhere, the witch craze in the empire seems to have been a reaction to the strains of a time of troubles, the actual causes of which, fairly clear now to historians, were hidden from contemporaries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By declaring the present, but not, say, the nineteen-thirties, a time of troubles, he seemed to relegate Yeltsin to a ring of Inferno even lower than Stalin's.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Maintain a consistent tone when discussing "a time of trouble"; whether somber, reflective, or hopeful, ensure it aligns with the overall message and audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a time of trouble" as a generic placeholder for any difficulty. Instead, specify the type of trouble involved (e.g., "a time of economic trouble", "a time of political trouble") to provide greater clarity and avoid vagueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a time of trouble" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an adverbial modifier, describing a specific period characterized by difficulty, hardship, or crisis. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a time of trouble" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe periods of difficulty or hardship. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its prevalence in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources suggests a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, specifying the nature of the trouble is recommended for clarity. Alternatives such as "a period of hardship" or "a moment of crisis" can be used depending on the context. The phrase is generally well-understood and appropriate for describing various challenging situations across different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a period of hardship

Focuses specifically on the difficult or adverse conditions experienced.

a moment of crisis

Emphasizes a critical turning point or situation.

a spell of adversity

Highlights the unfortunate and challenging nature of the circumstances.

a season of difficulty

Suggests a prolonged period marked by challenges and obstacles.

an era of turmoil

Indicates widespread disturbance and disorder.

a period of tribulation

Emphasizes suffering and distress during a specific timeframe.

a stretch of misfortune

Highlights a period characterized by bad luck or unfortunate events.

a phase of challenge

Downplays severity, focusing more on the demanding nature of the period.

a testing time

Implies a period that assesses one's resilience and capabilities.

a difficult chapter

Refers to a troublesome segment of a larger narrative or history.

FAQs

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

You can use "a time of trouble" to describe a period marked by difficulties, crises, or challenges. For example, "During "a time of trouble", communities often come together to support each other."

What are some alternatives to "a time of trouble"?

Alternatives to "a time of trouble" include "a period of hardship", "a moment of crisis", or "a season of difficulty", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "a time of trouble" differ from "a time of turmoil"?

"A time of trouble" generally refers to a period of difficulty or hardship, while "a time of turmoil" suggests a period of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty. The latter implies more significant social or political upheaval.

Is it appropriate to use "a time of trouble" in formal writing?

Yes, "a time of trouble" is appropriate in formal writing, particularly when discussing historical events, social challenges, or periods of significant difficulty. However, ensure the tone and context align with the formality of the piece.