a troubled era

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a troubled era" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period of time characterized by difficulties, conflicts, or challenges. Example: "The novel is set in a troubled era, reflecting the societal upheaval of the time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But then the world plunged into a troubled era of high energy costs, recession and stop-go growth from which it has yet to emerge.

The New York Times

Which is why contextualizing monuments from a troubled era, through a creative procedure that is at once inclusive, transparent and educational, may actually be the best solution.

The Guardian - Opinion

Drawn in colored pencils, inks, and crayons, the detailed illustrations offer a vivid glimpse into a troubled era in the country's past and an intimate — and rare — Native American perspective on U.S. territorial expansion.

Harvard University

Irwin Gellman, who chronicled Nixon's congressional career, suggests that "he was remarkable among his congressional peers, a success story in a troubled era, one who steered a sensible anti-Communist course against the excess of McCarthy".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It is a sad but necessary part of a coherent defence and security policy for a very troubled era," Richards said.

The Guardian

In a more troubled era for English football, Hamann also scored the last goal at the old Wembley in 2000.

The Guardian - Sport

Whoops feels not unlike one of Mike Skinner's tales of dancefloor excess recast for a more troubled era, with its protagonist's intemperance fuelled by something dark in his past, and driven by the fact that he's still stuck living with his parents: he might be making the wrong choices, but even if he were making the right ones, the property market means he'd still be there.

The Guardian

Under his rule Parthia entered a brilliant but troubled era, one completely dominated by the personality of this violently anti-Roman sovereign who was eager to drive Rome out of Asia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By troubled era, he was referring to events in Russia, the Middle East and Asia.

The Guardian

His lifelong empathy for the disenfranchised was rooted in the troubled era recalled so vividly in "Hard Times".

The New York Times

Who knows what unfortunate fashions our new troubled era will produce, but right now this stalwart, 70-year-old brand feels fresh and relevant.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a troubled era", provide specific context to clarify the nature of the troubles. For instance, specify whether the troubles were economic, political, or social to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using only vague adjectives like "difficult" or "bad" to describe the troubles. Instead, use specific and descriptive language to convey the depth and nature of the problems that characterized the era.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a troubled era" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "era". It characterizes a specific time period, as confirmed by Ludwig, indicating difficulties and challenges that are typical of that time. Examples include references to specific historical periods in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a troubled era" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe periods marked by difficulties or instability. As indicated by Ludwig, while it's relatively infrequent, the phrase appears across diverse contexts, including news, academic works, and encyclopedias. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of hardship or conflict associated with a particular time. To enhance clarity, it's best to specify the nature of the troubles when using this phrase, for example, specifying whether the troubles were economic, political, or social.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a period of unrest

Focuses on the disruptive and turbulent nature of the time.

a time of upheaval

Highlights the significant social, political, or economic changes occurring.

a difficult period

Emphasizes the challenges and hardships faced during the era.

a time of adversity

Stresses the presence of hardship and misfortune.

a period of turmoil

Highlights the state of disturbance and confusion.

a time of crisis

Focuses on the critical and decisive nature of the period.

a dark age

Emphasizes a decline in culture, progress, or prosperity.

a period of hardship

Highlights the difficulties and suffering experienced.

a time of tribulation

Stresses the severe trials and suffering endured.

a period of instability

Focuses on the lack of stability and security.

FAQs

What does "a troubled era" mean?

The phrase "a troubled era" refers to a period marked by significant difficulties, conflicts, or instability. It suggests a time of hardship and challenges across various aspects of life, such as politics, economics, or society.

How can I use "a troubled era" in a sentence?

You can use "a troubled era" to describe a historical period, a personal experience, or a fictional setting. For example: "The novel is set during "a troubled era", reflecting the societal anxieties of the time."

Which is more appropriate, "a troubled era" or "a challenging time"?

Both "a troubled era" and "a challenging time" are appropriate, but "a troubled era" often implies more significant and widespread difficulties. "A challenging time" can refer to personal or smaller-scale hardships.

What are some alternatives to "a troubled era"?

Some alternatives to "a troubled era" include "a period of unrest", "a time of upheaval", or "a difficult period", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.