a trying time

USAGE SUMMARY

"a trying time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a difficult or challenging period or situation in someone's life. It implies that the person is experiencing a lot of stress, struggle, and adversity. Example: After losing her job and going through a divorce, Jane went through a trying time for several months before she was able to get back on her feet.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Yes, this is a trying time.

Independent

It was a trying time.

The New York Times

"It's a trying time for us.

The New York Times - Sports

Of course it's a trying time.

The Guardian - Sport

Alex Rodriguez has had a trying time.

The New York Times - Sports

AUGUST can be a trying time for hardline Eurosceptics.

The Economist

The problem came at a trying time for the company.

The New York Times - Tech

Adolescence can be a trying time for the adolescent and the adult.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It was a trying time--and also one of the great learning experiences of my life.

Forbes

It was a trying time and also one of the great learning experiences of my life.

Forbes

Koonin does not disagree with this perspective; on the contrary, he writes that eukaryogenesis was a 'trying time for the chimeric organism'.

Biology Direct

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a trying time" to describe a period marked by significant challenges, testing one's resilience and requiring considerable effort to overcome.

Common error

While "a trying time" aptly describes genuine hardships, avoid using it in situations that are merely inconvenient or mildly challenging, as this can diminish its impact when describing truly difficult experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trying time" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or as a subject complement. It describes a period or situation characterized by difficulty, hardship, or testing circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a trying time" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a period of difficulty or hardship. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and broad applicability, particularly in News & Media and academic contexts. While it can be used across various registers, it is most effective when describing genuinely challenging situations. When writing, consider alternatives like "a difficult period" or "a challenging phase" to fine-tune your message, and avoid overuse in less serious scenarios to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult period

Focuses more generally on the difficulty of the time, without necessarily implying a test of one's endurance.

a challenging phase

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the situation, suggesting the need for problem-solving and resilience.

a tough stretch

Implies a limited duration of hardship, suggesting that the difficulty is temporary.

a period of adversity

Highlights the unfavorable conditions and potential for negative outcomes during this time.

a moment of hardship

Similar to "a tough stretch", emphasizing the pain and suffering experienced during this time.

a testing phase

Emphasizes the idea of a period that tests one's capabilities and resilience.

a season of difficulty

Extends the period of hardship to a longer duration, likened to a season.

an ordeal

Conveys a sense of extreme difficulty and suffering, often implying a need to endure through it.

a spell of trouble

Suggests a limited and often unexpected period of problems or difficulties.

a rough patch

An informal term for a short period of difficulty or trouble.

FAQs

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

You can use "a trying time" to describe a period filled with challenges. For instance, "The company experienced "a trying time" after the sudden departure of its CEO".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a difficult period", "a challenging phase", or "a tough stretch".

Is it appropriate to use "a trying time" in formal writing?

Yes, "a trying time" is appropriate for formal writing. It is frequently used in news articles and academic papers to describe difficult periods for individuals, organizations, or even entire countries.

What distinguishes "a trying time" from "a hard time"?

While both phrases refer to difficult experiences, ""a trying time"" often suggests a test of endurance or resilience, whereas "a hard time" simply indicates a period of difficulty or unpleasantness. The former emphasizes the effort and struggle required.