arduous times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arduous times" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe periods that are difficult, challenging, or require a lot of effort to endure. Example: "During the arduous times of the pandemic, many people found new ways to cope and adapt to the challenges they faced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As if fulfilling Dr. Wilson's suggestion, Dr. Sykes said he had "worked out a mythological framework for these seven women," in respect of the arduous times in which they must have lived and the triumph of spreading their mitochondrial DNA to almost all the inhabitants of Europe.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Ms. Carney's tenuous status comes at an arduous time for Disney's marketing division.

The New York Times

Studio time was booked from 2011 to 2013 and the equally arduous time for legally clearing samples began shortly afterwards.

The Guardian - Music

The president also tried to transfer his popularity among the faithful to Vice President Gore, who has had an arduous time rousing his party.

The New York Times

It was an arduous time – at one point she was nearly sectioned but avoided it ("Really, I should have allowed it, because I would have got therapy sooner").

The Guardian

We find out quickly that Dorrigo survived the war, and that in his old age, he receives adulation for his compassionate heroism towards his men during the arduous time of the railway construction.

Independent

The People's Armed Police News said a "political mobilization order" had gone out to security forces telling them to prepare for an arduous time ensuring order and control before and during the Games.

The New York Times

It was so she could spend more time with these precious pictures that she started to paint them, not in the pacy style she was used to, but in the arduous, time-consuming medium of Indian ink on paper, and on a monumental scale.

The Guardian - Arts

Applying for graduate school is an involved, arduous, time-consuming process.

Science Magazine

The above methods for standstill measurement of overall track stiffness are arduous, time consuming, and not suitable for a long-distance and multi-point measurement.

Journal of Modern Transportation

Booking a vacation was once an arduous, time-consuming task until online travel services like Orbitz and Kayak took travel and airline booking agents out of the equation and gave travelers more choice.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "arduous times", ensure that the context clearly indicates a period marked by significant difficulty or hardship. For example, you might describe "arduous times" faced during a major economic recession.

Common error

Avoid using "arduous times" in situations that are only mildly challenging. This phrase is most effective when describing genuinely difficult and demanding periods, not just everyday inconveniences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arduous times" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective, describing a period marked by difficulty and requiring significant effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English. The adjective "arduous" intensifies the meaning of "times,", highlighting the challenging nature of the period.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "arduous times" is a phrase used to describe a period marked by significant difficulty and demanding effort. While grammatically correct, as Ludwig AI stated, its usage is relatively infrequent, making it suitable for formal contexts like news and media, but less common in casual conversation. Related phrases include "challenging times" and "difficult periods". When using "arduous times", ensure the context justifies the intensity of the word "arduous", indicating a truly demanding experience. This phrase is best reserved for situations of genuine hardship, rather than minor inconveniences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult periods

Replaces "arduous" with a more common synonym for challenging.

challenging times

Emphasizes the difficulty and demand for effort.

trying circumstances

Focuses on the challenging nature of the situation.

hardships

Highlights the difficult conditions experienced.

testing moments

Stresses the evaluative and challenging aspect.

troubled days

Indicates a period marked by problems and difficulties.

demanding phases

Focuses on the high demands and effort required.

grim realities

Highlights the harsh and unpleasant aspects of the situation.

severe trials

Emphasizes the intensity and challenging nature of the experiences.

formidable challenges

Highlights the impressive and daunting nature of the difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "arduous times" in a sentence?

Use "arduous times" to describe a period characterized by significant difficulty and hardship. For example: "During the "difficult periods" of economic recession, many families faced "arduous times"".

What are some alternatives to "arduous times"?

Some alternatives to "arduous times" include "challenging times", "difficult periods", and "trying circumstances". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "arduous times" formal or informal?

"Arduous times" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in formal writing due to the somewhat elevated tone of "arduous". Consider the audience and adjust accordingly.

What makes "arduous times" different from "hard times"?

"Arduous times" emphasizes the effort and endurance required to overcome difficulties, while "hard times" simply denotes a period of hardship. "Arduous" implies a more prolonged and demanding challenge.