a troubled year

USAGE SUMMARY

"a troubled year" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a year that was filled with problems, difficulties, or challenges. Example: 2020 was a troubled year for the entire world, as the COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread chaos and disruption.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

This was a troubled year in video games.

The New Yorker

This was a troubled year for the industry, but there were jewels among the dross.

The New Yorker

In a troubled year outsourcing is a threat that has loomed large for over 100 staff.

The Guardian

Others say that energy has infiltrated the entire town of 12,000 over what has been a troubled year.

The New York Times

As luck would have it, Blackburn will visit United on Saturday for the final game of a troubled year.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, there has not been the exodus from the hedge fund that is typically seen after such a troubled year.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Heading into an economically troubled year without several of its biggest and longest-standing sponsors, the United States Olympic Committee is refusing to panic.

The New York Times - Sports

The announcement caps the ending of an unusually troubled year for Johnson & Johnson, during which its McNeil Consumer Healthcare unit has been buffeted by manufacturing problems, leading to recalls of millions of packages of popular over-the-counter drugs, including Tylenol and Rolaids.

The New York Times

To read the registration filing for Dollar General is to realize that, even after a few troubled years, the buyout kings have lost none of their old swagger.

Forbes

Second or third would have been considered a big success, given his troubled year, according to Rosa, his manager.

The New York Times - Sports

It is an inspiration that he has needed in a troubled debut year in motorcycle racing's premier category.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a troubled year", provide specific examples or context to illustrate the nature of the troubles. This adds depth and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a troubled year" without providing any supporting details. This can leave the reader wondering about the specific issues or events that made the year difficult.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a troubled year" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun "year". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, indicating it's used to describe a specific quality or characteristic of the year in question.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a troubled year" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a year filled with difficulties and problems. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing numerous examples from reputable sources, primarily in the News & Media context. It is best practice to use this phrase with specific examples to illustrate the nature of the troubles, and avoid overgeneralization. Related phrases include "a turbulent year", "a difficult year", and "a challenging year", each offering slightly different nuances. The phrase functions as an adjectival phrase, conveying that a particular year was marked by significant difficulties. Overall, "a troubled year" is a versatile and effective way to communicate the challenging nature of a specific period.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a turbulent year

Emphasizes the chaotic and unsettled nature of the year.

a tumultuous year

Highlights the disruptive and uproarious events of the year.

a difficult year

Focuses on the challenges and hardships experienced.

a challenging year

Stresses the demanding and testing aspects of the year.

a rough year

Suggests a harsh and unpleasant experience.

a trying year

Highlights the testing and patience-straining qualities of the year.

a problematic year

Focuses on specific problems and issues that arose.

an unstable year

Indicates a lack of consistency and security.

a stressful year

Emphasizes the anxiety and pressure experienced.

a year of hardship

Focuses on the difficulties and suffering endured.

FAQs

What does "a troubled year" mean?

The phrase "a troubled year" describes a period marked by significant difficulties, problems, or challenges. It suggests a time of unrest, hardship, or instability.

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

You can use alternatives like "a turbulent year", "a difficult year", or "a challenging year" depending on the specific context.

How do I use "a troubled year" in a sentence?

You can use "a troubled year" to describe a period of difficulty for an individual, organization, or even an entire country. For example, "2020 was a troubled year for many businesses due to the pandemic".

What is the difference between "a troubled year" and "a difficult year"?

While both phrases indicate a period of hardship, "a troubled year" often suggests more widespread or systemic issues, while "a difficult year" might focus more on personal or individual challenges.