a turbulent time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a turbulent time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period characterized by disorder, conflict, or instability, often in a personal, social, or political context. Example: "The country went through a turbulent time during the economic crisis, with protests and widespread unrest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's been a turbulent time," Wilkinson admits.

The Guardian - Sport

The offer arrived at a turbulent time in Bilbao's life.

The New York Times

It has certainly been a turbulent time for the charity.

The Guardian

I think everyone has a turbulent time there.

The New York Times

"It was quite a turbulent time for me," she says.

The Guardian

City Opera has been through a turbulent time.

The New York Times - Arts

The adolescent years are a turbulent time, he added.

The Guardian

It was a turbulent time; it's behind him now.

The Guardian

Horrocks takes charge of the OU at a turbulent time.

The Guardian

His departure comes at a turbulent time for the Taliban command in Pakistan.

The New York Times

The end of the war came at a turbulent time in my life.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a turbulent time", ensure the context clearly indicates what caused the turbulence, providing specific details about the events or circumstances that made the period difficult.

Common error

Avoid using "a turbulent time" as a vague descriptor. Instead of simply stating that something happened during "a turbulent time", specify what made that period turbulent (e.g., "a turbulent time marked by political unrest and economic instability").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a turbulent time" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or a subject complement. It describes a specific period characterized by instability and difficulty. Ludwig's examples confirm its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

10%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a turbulent time" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that describes a period marked by instability, disruption, and difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for various contexts, especially in News & Media, Wiki and Science. When using "a turbulent time", providing specific details about the causes of the turbulence is crucial for clarity. Alternatives such as "a difficult period" or "a period of instability" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances. This phrase serves to contextualize events within a challenging period, offering a concise way to characterize eras of significant upheaval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a period of instability

Directly addresses the lack of stability and predictability.

a period of turmoil

Implies significant disturbance and unrest.

a difficult period

Focuses on the challenging nature of the time, rather than the sense of chaos or instability.

a chaotic period

Conveys a sense of disarray and confusion.

a period of upheaval

Emphasizes the disruptive and transformative nature of the time.

a trying time

Focuses on the demanding and stressful aspects of the time.

a period of disruption

Highlights the interruption of normal processes and routines.

a time of great change

Highlights the transitional aspect, without necessarily implying negativity.

a time of troubles

Emphasizes the problems and difficulties experienced during the period, with a slightly archaic tone.

a rough patch

Informal way to describe a difficult but temporary period.

FAQs

What does "a turbulent time" mean?

The phrase "a turbulent time" refers to a period marked by significant instability, disruption, and difficulty. It suggests a time of upheaval and change, often accompanied by stress and uncertainty.

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

You can use "a turbulent time" to describe periods of personal or societal difficulty. For example: "The company went through "a difficult period" after the CEO's resignation."

What are some alternatives to "a turbulent time"?

Alternatives include "a difficult period", "a period of instability", or "a chaotic period", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "turbulent times" instead of "a turbulent time"?

Yes, "turbulent times" is also correct and often used to refer to a more general or ongoing period of difficulty. "A turbulent time" usually refers to a specific instance or episode.