been in difficult times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been in difficult times" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period of hardship or adversity that someone has experienced. Example: "Many families have been in difficult times due to the economic downturn, struggling to make ends meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The message of the series is meant to be inspiring, she said: "The genesis of the idea for me came from this notion of showing people that you can get through difficult times and that this country has been in difficult times many, many times.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

What kind of partner will they be in difficult times?

Huffington Post

McCain kept saying the "fundamentals of the economy are strong" to appeal to delusional conservatives, then awkwardly acknowledged we're in "difficult times" to convince moderates he wasn't delusional too.

Huffington Post

While their approach may be lacking in imagination and long-term strategy, Mr. Dubow and his team can be credited with being prudent in difficult times.

The New York Times

Younger generations are living in difficult times and are the ones who will make the change happen.

The Guardian

Such an action would, at the least, indicate that the president and his friends were aware that we are living in difficult times.

The New York Times

Susan Clemow, whose Clemow Consulting Group in Bloomfield advises nonprofits on fund-raising, says inventive tactics like those at Burroughs and Schooner are important in difficult times, as is reining in expenses.

The New York Times

"The party was a great success, though I have seen better, but we were living in difficult times, truffles and venison were impossible to get.

The Guardian - Books

That means it is deliberately drawn up to be flexible in difficult times.

The Guardian

The result is long-lasting utility, beyond show, which is valuable in difficult times.Owning shops gives Vuitton control over levels of stock, presentation and pricing.

The Economist

Customers might also be put off by Shinsei's reputation for being unsympathetic in difficult times.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "been in difficult times", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific nature of the hardship or challenges experienced to provide a more complete understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "been in difficult times" as a vague statement. Provide context or details about the specific challenges or hardships experienced to give the phrase more impact and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been in difficult times" functions as a descriptive expression. It's used to indicate that someone or something has experienced a period marked by hardship, challenges, or adversity. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "been in difficult times" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe periods of hardship or adversity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it serves to convey empathy or provide context. While versatile, it benefits from specific details to enhance its impact. Alternatives like "endured hardship" or "faced adversity" can be used for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

endured hardship

Focuses on the act of enduring a challenging situation.

faced adversity

Highlights the confrontation with unfavorable circumstances.

gone through tough periods

More informal, emphasizing the experience of challenging times.

experienced challenging circumstances

A more formal way of describing difficult situations.

lived through trying times

Emphasizes the act of surviving a difficult period.

navigated troubled waters

Uses a metaphorical expression for dealing with problems.

weathered storms

Another metaphorical expression, focusing on resilience during crises.

confronted obstacles

Highlights the challenges and barriers faced.

grappled with adversity

Focuses on the struggle against unfavorable conditions.

undergone trials and tribulations

A more dramatic and emphatic way of describing hardship.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone has "been in difficult times"?

It means they have experienced periods of hardship, adversity, or significant challenges in their life.

What are some alternatives to saying someone has "been in difficult times"?

You can use alternatives like "endured hardship", "faced adversity", or "gone through tough periods" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "been in difficult times"?

Yes, the phrase "been in difficult times" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English.

How can I make the phrase "been in difficult times" more impactful in my writing?

Provide specific details about the nature of the difficult times experienced to add depth and relevance to the statement.