a troublesome time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a troublesome time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a period characterized by difficulties or challenges. Example: "During the economic downturn, many families experienced a troublesome time, struggling to make ends meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I don't need to remind you what a troublesome time that was for so many people.

Independent

The transition from correctional facility to the community has been shown to be a troublesome time; and it has been shown that PD is a factor in reincarceration (Binswanger et al. [2007]; Baillargeon et al. [2010a]; Fu et al. [2013]).

Health & Justice

Woolsey also had a troublesome time while localizing Secret of Mana, which he said "nearly killed [him]".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Woods has endured an infamously troublesome time as a Ryder Cup player but while injured this time, the USA captain Davis Love III asked him to become a member of the backroom staff.

The Guardian - Sport

Women competing for tenure-track positions in academia (see sidebar) have a particularly troublesome time if their early career coincides with the decision to start a family.

Science Magazine

Disclosure of her report, which was distributed to Acorn and 10 affiliates, increases pressure on the organization at a particularly troublesome time.

The New York Times

"It is a very troublesome time," said Dr. Anthony Meyer, who is on the advisory board of Project Benjamin, a program on sexual abuse by clergy that Archbishop Weakland set up in 1989.

The New York Times

Fulham had been unfortunate, he suggested, to run into Reading and now Blackburn - "very efficient teams" - at this troublesome time.

The Guardian - Sport

my thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families in Colorado during this most troublesome time.

Huffington Post

Kuhl et al (1997) reported that the least troublesome time for scanning is within week 2 of the menstrual cycle.

British Journal of Cancer

It's only right for a business to evolve in troublesome times.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a troublesome time", provide context to clarify the specific nature of the difficulties involved. This helps the reader understand the scope and impact of the challenging period.

Common error

Avoid using "a troublesome time" as a vague placeholder for specific difficulties. Instead, provide details about the problems or challenges involved to give the phrase more meaning and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a troublesome time" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig, it's used to denote a period characterized by difficulties or challenges. Examples show it describing difficult economic periods, personal struggles, or challenging transitions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a troublesome time" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe a period characterized by difficulties or challenges. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, its frequency is uncommon compared to alternatives like "difficult times" or "challenging period". When employing this phrase, providing specific context about the difficulties involved enhances clarity and impact. Although versatile, avoiding overuse and ensuring contextual relevance are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult period

Focuses on the general challenge posed by the time.

a challenging phase

Emphasizes the developmental aspect of the time.

a trying moment

Highlights the testing nature of the situation.

a rough patch

Suggests a temporary period of difficulty.

an ordeal

Implies a severe and prolonged period of hardship.

a period of adversity

Formally acknowledges the presence of unfavorable conditions.

a spell of hardship

Highlights the duration and severity of the difficulties.

a time of trouble

Directly states the presence of problems and difficulties.

a crisis

Indicates a critical and unstable situation.

a period of unrest

Highlights instability and disturbance during the time.

FAQs

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

You can use "a troublesome time" to describe a period marked by difficulties or challenges. For example: "The company experienced "a troublesome time" during the recession."

What are some alternatives to saying "a troublesome time"?

Alternatives include "a difficult period", "a challenging phase", or "a rough patch", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a troublesome time" or "difficult times"?

Both phrases are correct, but "difficult times" is more common and generally refers to widespread or societal challenges, while "a troublesome time" can refer to a more specific or personal situation.

What makes a time "troublesome"?

A "troublesome" time is characterized by problems, difficulties, or challenges that cause distress, worry, or inconvenience. The issues may be financial, emotional, or practical in nature.