a trying week

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trying week" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a week that has been difficult or challenging in some way. Example: "After a trying week filled with unexpected challenges, I finally took some time to relax over the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Jon had had a trying week.

The New York Times

But the laughter belied a trying week.

The New York Times

The move comes in a trying week for the government.

The Guardian

IT HAS been a trying week for Standard Chartered, a British bank that operates mainly in emerging markets.

The Economist

After a trying week searching for a medal in the pool, attention turned to a rejuventated Fran Halsall last night to finally deliver Britain's first here.

Independent

Sebastian Vettel also took advantage, making it an all-German front row with his best qualifying position of the season in second, and Jenson Button – after a trying week – was delighted to have secured third.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

His candor and wisdom, especially with regard to seeming contradictions, struck me on a personal note after a very trying week.

Huffington Post

After a very trying week, Prime Minister Theresa May enjoyed a rare legislative victory, if a small one, when lawmakers left her in the driver's seat.

The New York Times

It's like Twitter, after a particularly trying week, has invaded the stage for a very public breakdown.

The Guardian - Music

It had been an emotionally trying week for us all.

Huffington Post

According to Allen, the former Spurs man has showed no ill effects of a trying few weeks with Real.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a trying week" to succinctly describe a period marked by significant difficulties or challenges, especially when the specific nature of those difficulties is either self-evident or will be elaborated upon later.

Common error

Avoid using "a trying week" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a difficult week" or "a challenging week" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trying week" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun "week". It serves to describe the nature of the week, indicating that it was characterized by difficulties or challenges. Ludwig's examples show it's commonly used to preface explanations of events or situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sports

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a trying week" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a period marked by difficulties or challenges. According to Ludwig, it's correct and suitable for various contexts. While versatile, it's advisable to use synonyms like "a difficult week" or "a challenging week" to avoid repetition. It appears mostly in News & Media and Sports contexts, and its function is to set the stage for further explanations of events influenced by the described difficulties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult week

Replaces "trying" with a more common synonym, "difficult".

a challenging week

Substitutes "trying" with "challenging", suggesting a week filled with obstacles.

a tough week

Uses "tough" instead of "trying", indicating a week that was hard to endure.

a troublesome week

Replaces "trying" with "troublesome", highlighting the problems faced during the week.

a stressful week

Focuses on the stress induced during the week.

a demanding week

Emphasizes the high demands and pressures of the week.

a hectic week

Highlights the busyness and chaos of the week.

a testing week

Uses "testing" to convey a week that puts one's abilities or resilience to the test.

a burdensome week

Stresses the heavy load and responsibility experienced during the week.

a grueling week

Emphasizes the exhausting and relentless nature of the week.

FAQs

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

You can use "a trying week" to describe a period filled with challenges or difficulties. For example: "After "a trying week" at work, I needed a relaxing weekend."

What are some alternatives to "a trying week"?

Alternatives include "a difficult week", "a challenging week", or "a tough week", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a trying week" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal contexts, you might consider using a more precise description of the specific challenges faced.

What's the difference between "a trying week" and "a stressful week"?

While both phrases describe a negative experience, "a trying week" emphasizes the difficulties and challenges faced, while "a stressful week" focuses on the emotional toll and anxiety experienced.