a troubled time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a troubled time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period characterized by difficulties, challenges, or distress. Example: "The country faced a troubled time during the economic recession, with many families struggling to make ends meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Nice kids in a troubled time.

The New York Times

This was a troubled time in Ireland.

The Guardian - Sport

"Obviously, it's a troubled time for the region," he said.

The New York Times

That was a troubled time for the Olympic movement.

The New York Times - Sports

He took over at a troubled time for the museum and its parent, the Getty Trust.

The New York Times - Arts

In a troubled time, they kept the vital impulse of humanism alive.

The New York Times

But he has had a troubled time on the field during the World Cup.

The Guardian - Sport

Being accused of sexual harassment during a troubled time at Marseille was a low point.

The Guardian - Sport

has become a ratings winner by offering them hope in a troubled time.

The New York Times

Ranger is not the first to find himself escaping to the river after a troubled time.

The New York Times - Sports

The lowrider grew out of a sense of struggle at a troubled time.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a troubled time" to refer to a specific period marked by significant problems, unrest, or difficulty. Ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the time "troubled".

Common error

Avoid using "a troubled time" as a vague descriptor. Always provide specific context regarding what makes the time period troubled to give the phrase meaning and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a troubled time" functions as a noun phrase, specifically an adjective phrase modifying the noun "time". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Encyclopedias

1.69%

Wiki

1.69%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a troubled time" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a period marked by difficulties or challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It appears predominantly in news and media contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal register. To use this phrase effectively, ensure that the specific reasons for the "trouble" are clear to provide sufficient context. Alternatives like "a difficult period" or "a time of crisis" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult period

Replaces "troubled" with "difficult", maintaining the sense of hardship but with a slightly milder connotation.

a challenging era

Substitutes "time" with "era" to denote a longer span, and "troubled" with "challenging" to emphasize the demanding nature of the period.

a period of hardship

Replaces "troubled" with "hardship", directly highlighting the suffering involved during the time.

a time of crisis

Focuses specifically on moments of acute instability and danger, rather than general difficulty.

a period of adversity

Highlights the unfortunate and unfavorable circumstances prevailing during the specified time.

a moment of difficulty

Narrows the scope to a specific "moment" rather than a prolonged "time", suggesting a shorter duration of trouble.

an era of turmoil

Emphasizes the state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty with "turmoil" and uses "era" to suggest a longer period.

a rough patch

Uses a more informal expression to describe a period of difficulty, implying it is temporary.

a spell of bad luck

Attributes the difficulties to chance or fortune, rather than inherent problems.

dark days

Evokes a sense of gloom and foreboding, implying a period of profound unhappiness and difficulty.

FAQs

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

Use "a troubled time" to describe a period characterized by difficulties, challenges, or distress. For example, "The nation faced "a troubled time" during the economic recession".

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

You can use alternatives like "a difficult period", "a challenging era", or "a time of crisis" depending on the specific context.

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

It's appropriate when referring to a specific era, period, or moment marked by hardship, unrest, or significant difficulties. Ensure that the reasons for the "trouble" are clear to the reader.

Which is more formal, "a troubled time" or "a difficult period"?

"A difficult period" and "a troubled time" are generally interchangeable in terms of formality. The choice often depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Troubled" may suggest a more emotional or societal disturbance.