a tragic time for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tragic time for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period that is marked by sorrow or misfortune, often in relation to a specific event or situation. Example: "The announcement of the layoffs was a tragic time for the employees, who had dedicated years to the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Systemically, 2016 has been a tragic time for women in the criminal justice system.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This is a tragic time for his family, for the school and for everyone connected to it.

BBC

Dec. 4: Taco Bell released the following statement: "We know this is a tragic time for Todd's family.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It is a very tragic time for everybody".

The New York Times

Michael Harrington was a tragic figure in a tragic time, as the American dream became a nightmare.

The New York Times - Books

A long spray of cherry blossom, its flower heads trembling — what could be a more graceful reminder of tranquility and beauty at a turbulent and tragic time for Japan?

The New York Times

"We would ask that people appreciate that this is a sad and tragic time for the family and that we are left alone to grieve in peace, whilst we try to understand what has happened".

Independent

The Civil War was an important and tragic time for the University.

Wikipedia

"The loss of a child will always be an extremely tragic and heartbreaking experience but a lot of parents who decide to donate their child's organs later find some comfort in the knowledge that, at this most tragic time for their own family, they were able to do something extraordinarily kind".

The Guardian

China's president, Xi Jinping, spoke of "these tragic times for the French people" and condemned "in the strongest ways this barbarous act".

The Guardian

It's a tragic and desperate time for millions of Americans.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tragic time for", ensure the context clearly establishes who or what is affected by the tragedy. Providing specific details about the event enhances the impact and clarity of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a tragic time for" as a generic response to any negative situation. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing seem insincere. Instead, opt for more specific and nuanced language that accurately reflects the situation's gravity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tragic time for" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used as an adjective to modify a noun, indicating that a particular period is characterized by tragedy or great misfortune. According to Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tragic time for" is a descriptive phrase used to convey that a particular period is marked by significant loss, suffering, or misfortune. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It functions primarily to express empathy and acknowledge the gravity of a situation, most commonly appearing in News & Media contexts. While appropriate for formal writing, it's crucial to avoid overuse and ensure that the language accurately reflects the intensity of the situation. Alternatives like ""a devastating period for"" or ""a sorrowful moment for"" may offer more nuanced expressions depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a devastating period for

Replaces "tragic" with "devastating" to emphasize the destructive nature of the time.

a sorrowful moment for

Substitutes "tragic" with "sorrowful" and "time" with "moment" to highlight the emotional aspect of the period.

a difficult chapter for

Replaces "tragic time" with "difficult chapter" to present the situation as part of a larger narrative.

a heartbreaking situation for

Substitutes "tragic time" with "heartbreaking situation" emphasizing emotional distress.

a calamitous era for

Replaces "tragic" with "calamitous" and "time" with "era" to denote a period marked by disaster.

an unfortunate juncture for

Substitutes "tragic" with "unfortunate" and "time" with "juncture" making it slightly more formal.

a grievous occasion for

Replaces "tragic" with "grievous" and "time" with "occasion" to stress the severity of the event.

a trying period for

Replaces "tragic" with "trying" which means difficult or testing.

an inauspicious moment for

Substitutes "tragic" with "inauspicious" and "time" with "moment" implying bad omens.

a regrettable phase for

Replaces "tragic" with "regrettable" and "time" with "phase" indicating a period that is a cause for regret.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tragic time for" to describe a period marked by significant loss, suffering, or misfortune for a particular group or entity. For example, "The pandemic was "a tragic time for" small businesses".

What are some alternatives to saying "a tragic time for"?

Alternatives include "a devastating period for", "a sorrowful moment for", or "a difficult chapter for", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a tragic time for" in formal writing?

Yes, "a tragic time for" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news reports or analytical pieces where you need to describe a period of significant hardship or loss. However, be mindful of overuse and ensure the tone aligns with the overall message.

What's the difference between "a tragic time for" and "a difficult time for"?

"A tragic time for" implies a period marked by severe loss and suffering, whereas "a difficult time for" suggests a period of hardship or challenges that may not necessarily involve tragedy. The former carries a much stronger emotional weight.