a trying hour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trying hour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a difficult or challenging period of time, often in a personal or emotional context. Example: "After a long day at work, I found myself reflecting on the trying hour I spent dealing with difficult clients."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Often, after I finished a trying twelve hour stint at Chelsea Piers, I stopped by the small market on Madison to buy a take-home dinner for one.

Huffington Post

"It's been a trying 48 hours," he said.

Huffington Post

But having that thing, where I can see all your lap times, and spend half an hour or an hour trying just to beat you is great.

The Guardian - Tech

I spend an hour trying to light a gas fridge I've bought from a man who tears apart caravans.

The Guardian

He was in such shock that he walked in a downpour for an hour, trying to find his car.

The New York Times

We talked for more than an hour, trying to figure out a way.

The New Yorker

One day in 1978, Mr. Callahan spent an hour trying to pry open a bottle of liquor with his teeth.

The Washington Post

I bought two different shades and a lip pencil, and I spent an hour trying to make it work.

Huffington Post

An ambulance was called and paramedics spent half an hour trying to stabilise me, while I suffered a serious fit.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I spent the better part of an hour trying to convince myself" that he had not made a mistake.

The New York Times

Patricia Barnes, a college student from East New York, had waited underground for an hour, trying to get to Midtown.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "difficult", "challenging", or "tough" instead of "trying" to enhance clarity and impact. "Trying" can sometimes sound slightly archaic or less direct.

Common error

Avoid using "a trying hour" in overly casual or informal situations. It's better suited for more serious or reflective contexts where the difficulty is significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trying hour" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. The adjective "trying" describes the quality of the noun "hour", indicating a period characterized by difficulty or hardship. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a trying hour" is grammatically correct but not frequently used. It describes an hour filled with difficulty or challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, however, consider synonyms like "difficult" or "challenging" for better clarity. The phrase is best suited for descriptive or reflective contexts. While its usage is valid, being mindful of these nuances can help ensure its most effective application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult hour

Replaces 'trying' with a more common synonym, maintaining the focus on difficulty.

a challenging hour

Substitutes 'trying' with 'challenging', emphasizing the demanding nature of the hour.

a tough hour

Uses 'tough' to highlight the hardship experienced during the hour.

a stressful hour

Focuses on the stress induced during the hour.

a taxing hour

Highlights the draining or burdensome nature of the hour.

a testing hour

Emphasizes that the hour served as a test of endurance or resilience.

a problematic hour

Highlights that the hour was full of troubles or difficulties

an ordeal

Replaces "a trying hour" with a single word suggesting a painful or horrific experience

a rough patch

Replaces "a trying hour" with a more figurative expression, suggesting a period of general difficulty that can be more or less prolonged.

a time of hardship

Shifts from specifying a single hour to a more general period characterized by adversity.

FAQs

What does "a trying hour" mean?

The phrase "a trying hour" refers to an hour that is difficult, challenging, or causes distress. It implies a period filled with hardship or testing circumstances.

What can I say instead of "a trying hour"?

You can use alternatives like "a difficult hour", "a challenging hour", or "a tough hour" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a trying hour"?

Yes, "a trying hour" is grammatically correct, although it's not as commonly used as alternatives like "a difficult time" or "a challenging period".

In what contexts is "a trying hour" most appropriate?

The phrase "a trying hour" is most appropriate in contexts where you want to emphasize the difficulty or hardship experienced during that specific hour. It suits serious or reflective situations.