a very tough time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very tough time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period of difficulty or hardship that someone is experiencing. Example: "After losing his job, he went through a very tough time adjusting to the changes in his life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a very tough time for journalists.

The Guardian

No question, Iceland had a very tough time.

The Guardian - Business

"It was a very tough time for her.

The New York Times - Sports

"A very tough time for me," he says.

The New York Times - Sports

The women were having "a very tough time", he said.

The Guardian

They were giving us a very tough time.

The Guardian - Sport

"He had a very tough time," says Schindelmeiser.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a very tough time in the United States, man.

The Guardian - Music

"We really have been through a very tough time," he said.

The New Yorker

Now people have a very tough time getting a parking space".

The New York Times

"We had a very tough time in 1989/90," he says.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and choose synonyms like "challenging period" or "difficult phase" for more formal settings or "rough patch" for more informal ones.

Common error

Avoid relying excessively on "a very tough time". Vary your vocabulary by using alternatives such as "challenging period" or "difficult phase" to maintain reader engagement and convey nuances in meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very tough time" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig shows its use in various contexts to describe periods of hardship or difficulty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very tough time" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a period marked by significant difficulty or hardship. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable news and media sources. While versatile, it is important to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives like "a challenging period" or "a difficult phase" when appropriate. By understanding its nuances and potential alternatives, writers can effectively convey the intended meaning while maintaining clarity and engaging their audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging period

Replaces "tough" with "challenging" and "time" with "period", focusing on the demanding nature of the situation.

a difficult phase

Substitutes "tough" with "difficult" and "time" with "phase", highlighting the problematic aspect of the situation.

a trying experience

Replaces the entire phrase with a focus on the experience being testing or straining.

a period of adversity

Focuses on the hardship and unfavorable conditions experienced during that time.

a season of hardship

Emphasizes the prolonged nature of the difficulty, using "season" to indicate a longer duration.

a struggle

Simplifies the phrase to a single word, indicating a fight or effort against difficulties.

an ordeal

Highlights the severity and unpleasantness of the experience, suggesting a test of endurance.

a period of tribulation

Uses a more formal and intense word, "tribulation", to describe the suffering or distress experienced.

a rough patch

An informal expression to describe a period filled with problems or difficulties.

a testing moment

Highlights that the time is testing one's abilities or endurance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a very tough time" to describe a period marked by significant difficulties or hardships. For example, "The company experienced "a very tough time" during the economic recession".

What are some alternatives to saying "a very tough time"?

Alternatives include "a challenging period", "a difficult phase", or "a rough patch", depending on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

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

While "a very tough time" is widely understood, more formal alternatives like "a challenging period" or "a period of adversity" may be more suitable for academic or professional contexts.

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

The phrases are very similar, but ""a very tough time"" might imply a more intense or prolonged period of hardship compared to "a difficult time". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.