a woolly time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a woolly time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period that is confusing, unclear, or lacking in structure. Example: "During the transition period, we had a woolly time trying to figure out our new roles and responsibilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

If he doesn't like a question, it often seems that this is not because it is embarrassing or he doesn't want to answer it, but because he thinks it's been formulated in a woolly, time-wasting way.

Independent

The exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art surveys that trend with a woolly, at times idiosyncratic assemblage of more than 350 individual displays by 118 European artists spread over two levels of the museum.

The New York Times - Arts

"Now I was a chronicler of my own life, by 60s standards perhaps not too egregiously adventurous and experimental, but in a newspaper in full public view, in the most fractured Dada style of work I had admired as a critic — a rather wild spectacle in those woolly times," she wrote on her Web site.

The New York Times - Arts

Due to some time-travelling mishap, Kirk and Spock find themselves marooned in depression-era New York where Kirk falls in love with Edith, who runs the homeless shelter that takes them in (Spock being sure to wear a woolly hat at all times to hide his ears).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Though his first job was sculpturing architectural reliefs, he was hired as the advertising art director at Selznick Pictures in 1921, when he was only 18. Hirschfeld's breakthrough caricature for The New York Times was a woolly depiction of the Scottish vaudevillian Harry Lauder, in 1928.

The New York Times - Books

Singing Lucrezia's manipulative husband, Duke Alfonso, is the veteran Italian bass Ruggero Raimondi, a great Verdi stylist who still sounded vocally imposing, if a little woolly at times.

The New York Times - Arts

Outside, a man wearing a woolly hat and headphones checks the time: 20 past.

The Guardian - Music

We don't have to live at all times with the T levels required to face down a woolly mammoth or bed half the village's young women.

The New York Times - Magazine

Maybe a woolly hat.

The Guardian

"There's a woolly monkey".

The Guardian - Travel

Does a woolly mammoth need a lawyer?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a woolly time", ensure the context clearly indicates what is unclear or confusing. Providing specific examples can enhance understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "a woolly time" in formal or professional writing where clarity and precision are paramount. Opt for more direct and specific language to convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

Adjectival phrase modifying a noun, "a woolly time" functions to describe a period characterized by lack of clarity or definition. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in English, describing something confusing or unstructured.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a woolly time" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a period lacking clarity or definition. Although confirmed as usable by Ludwig, its usage is infrequent, and primarily leans towards neutral or informal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the source of confusion or uncertainty. Consider alternatives like "a confusing period" or "an ambiguous phase" for more formal settings. While the phrase isn't incorrect, there is not enough available data to make strong claims about its specific real-world usage and common contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hazy period

Focuses on the lack of clarity and definition during the time.

a muddled era

Emphasizes the confusion and lack of organization.

a vague epoch

Highlights the lack of specific details and clear boundaries.

an indistinct phase

Underscores the blurred and undefined nature of the period.

an ambiguous stretch

Conveys the uncertainty and multiple interpretations possible.

an ill-defined moment

Highlights the lack of clear boundaries and definition.

an obscure duration

Emphasizes the lack of transparency and understanding.

a nebulous stage

Suggests a cloudiness and lack of precise form.

a blurred span

Focuses on the lack of sharp distinction and clarity.

an opaque interval

Highlights the difficulty in understanding or seeing through the period.

FAQs

How can "a woolly time" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a woolly time" to describe a period characterized by confusion or lack of clarity. For example, "The company experienced "a woolly time" during the merger, with roles and responsibilities undefined".

What's a suitable alternative to "a woolly time"?

Depending on the context, alternatives such as "a confusing period", "an unclear phase", or "a turbulent time" might be more appropriate.

Is "a woolly time" considered formal or informal language?

"A woolly time" leans towards the informal side. In formal contexts, it's better to opt for more precise and professional terms like "a period of uncertainty" or "a phase of ambiguity".

What distinguishes "a woolly time" from "a chaotic time"?

"A woolly time" suggests a lack of clarity and definition, whereas "a chaotic time" implies disorder and turbulence. While they can overlap, "a woolly time" focuses more on the confusion, and "a chaotic time" emphasizes the disarray.