a very difficult time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very difficult time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a period of hardship or struggle in someone's life or experience. Example: "After losing his job, he went through a very difficult time adjusting to the changes in his life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a very difficult time".

The Guardian

It was a very difficult time".

The New Yorker

We've gone through a very difficult time.

The New York Times

"It's a very difficult time right now.

The Washington Post

"It's a very difficult time," he says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A very difficult time, you say.

The Guardian - Books

"A very difficult time for everyone".

The Guardian

It's a very difficult time for me.

The Guardian

"It's been a very difficult time".

The New York Times

It is just a very difficult time.

The Guardian

He's having a very difficult time".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific event or situation, use "a very difficult time" to convey empathy and understanding towards someone's experience.

Common error

Avoid using "a very difficult time" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "challenging period" or "tough situation" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very difficult time" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition (e.g., "through a very difficult time") or as a complement describing a state or experience. Ludwig examples show its common usage in expressing periods of hardship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very difficult time" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe periods of hardship or adversity. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news media. To enhance your writing, consider diversifying your language with synonyms like "a challenging period" or "a tough situation" to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement. This phrase serves to express empathy and understanding, making it a valuable tool in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging period

Focuses on the aspect of facing challenges rather than the severity of the situation.

a tough situation

Highlights the adversity and hardship involved.

a trying experience

Emphasizes the testing and stressful nature of the event.

a period of hardship

Specifically points to the difficulties and privations endured.

a time of adversity

Focuses on facing misfortune and unfavorable circumstances.

a spell of trouble

Suggests a limited duration of the problem.

a rough patch

Informal, indicating a temporary phase of difficulties.

a problematic phase

Highlights the presence of problems and issues.

a period of struggle

Emphasizes the effort and fight required to overcome the situation.

a burdensome phase

Stresses the heavy load and stress associated with the time.

FAQs

How can I use "a very difficult time" in a sentence?

You can use "a very difficult time" to describe a period marked by challenges, hardship, or adversity. For example, "She went through "a very difficult time" after losing her job".

What are some alternatives to "a very difficult time"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a challenging period", "a tough situation", or "a trying experience".

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

Yes, "a very difficult time" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in highly formal contexts, you might consider alternatives like "a period of hardship" or "a time of adversity" for a more elevated tone.

What's the difference between "a difficult time" and "a very difficult time"?

Adding "very" emphasizes the intensity and severity of the difficulty experienced. "A difficult time" simply indicates a challenging period, while ""a very difficult time"" underscores the magnitude of the hardship.