bad times

USAGE SUMMARY

"bad times" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used to refer to a difficult or unpleasant period of time. For example, "We have been through some bad times, but we will come out of this stronger."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Bad times.

The New York Times

Imagine some bad times.

The New York Times - Magazine

Really bad times.

Independent

But in bad times?

The New York Times

Good times, bad times.

The New Yorker

"It's bad times".

The New York Times

"Those were bad times.

The New York Times

"Bad times," he said.

The Guardian - Books

"These are bad times.

The New York Times - Sports

Boston has had bad times before.

The New Yorker

In bad times, show a good face.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bad times", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the nature and severity of the situation. Be mindful of the tone and audience to avoid being overly dramatic or insensitive.

Common error

While "bad times" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in very casual conversations. Opt for more nuanced or informal alternatives like "a rough patch" or "tough situation" for better context and tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad times" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe periods of difficulty, hardship, or misfortune.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bad times" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe periods of difficulty or hardship. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans a wide range of contexts, primarily appearing in news and media. While "bad times" can be used in many situations, considering alternatives such as "difficult period" or "tough times" might provide a more nuanced tone. It's important to assess the specific situation to ensure accurate and sensitive communication. The phrase is generally neutral in register and is widely understood, making it a versatile option in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard times

A more emphatic synonym, highlighting the hardship experienced.

tough times

Similar to "hard times", but can also refer to a period of needing resilience.

times of hardship

Emphasizes the suffering and difficulty experienced during the period.

difficult period

Focuses on the challenging nature of the time, removing the emotional weight.

periods of adversity

More formal and emphasizes the challenging nature of the circumstances.

a rough patch

Informal, suggesting a temporary period of difficulty.

challenging circumstances

Focuses on the demanding nature of the situation.

unfortunate circumstances

Focuses on the negative and undesirable aspect of the situations.

economic downturn

Specifically refers to a period of economic difficulty.

recession

A specific and technical term for a period of economic decline.

FAQs

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

You can use "bad times" to refer to periods of difficulty or hardship. For example, "We learned a lot about resilience during the "difficult period"." or "Many companies fail during "periods of adversity"".

What are some synonyms for "bad times"?

Some synonyms for "bad times" include "hard times", "tough times", "difficult period", and "challenging circumstances". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it better to say "bad times" or "hard times"?

Both "bad times" and "hard times" are acceptable and often interchangeable. "Hard times" might slightly emphasize the hardship experienced, while "bad times" is a more general term for unfavorable periods.

Can "bad times" refer to economic recessions?

Yes, "bad times" can be used to describe an economic recession or "economic downturn", although more specific terms may be preferable in formal contexts or when discussing economic matters.