challenging era

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "challenging era" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period of time characterized by difficulties or obstacles, often in a social, political, or economic context. Example: "We are living in a challenging era where many people are struggling to adapt to rapid changes in technology and society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

For the dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, this represents an exciting, but challenging era.

Clinical interventions in aging

He served on the National Executive Committee of the university's PACE (Plan of Action for a Challenging Era) Campaign in the early 1960s, and chaired the New York Major Gift Committee.

Stanford University

Your children and my grandchildren will live in this new and challenging era.

The New York Times

With the globalization of capital markets, stock exchanges around the world have faced their most challenging era since 2005.

Economic Modelling

Many who have worked with Mr. Sulzberger say he deserves credit for maneuvering The Times through perhaps the most challenging era in its history.

The New York Times

The book, "The Future of Conservation in America: A Chart for Rough Water," co-authored by former National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis, is a "candid, passionate, and ultimately hopeful book" for a challenging era in conservation.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Establishing corporate campuses in suburban communities like Mountain View, where only a handful of the richest Googlers can afford to live, and busing in thousands of urban employees, makes little sense in an environmentally challenged era.

The New York Times

Still, I'm not sure having lived through a particular era, no matter what challenges that era presented, necessarily confers greatness.

The New York Times - Books

If rock was born to challenge an era, here it does little more than reconfirm conventional wisdom.

The New York Times

A year ago some commentators predicted that South Sudan could spur others to challenge colonial era boundaries, leading to a balkanisation of Africa.

The Guardian

He acknowledged that preserving the country's traditional culture would be challenging in an era of rapid urbanization.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "challenging era", be specific about the challenges involved. Provide context to clarify what makes the era difficult or demanding.

Common error

Avoid using "challenging era" as a generic descriptor. Always provide specific details about the challenges involved to give the phrase more impact and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "challenging era" functions as a noun phrase, where "challenging" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "era". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is used to describe a period characterized by difficulties or obstacles.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "challenging era" effectively describes a period marked by significant difficulties and demands. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While not extremely common, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts. To enhance its impact, provide specific details about the challenges involved. Consider alternatives like "difficult period" or "tough time" depending on the desired tone. By providing context and avoiding overuse, you can use "challenging era" effectively to communicate the complexities of a given time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult period

Replaces "challenging" with "difficult", focusing on the hardship of the time.

period of difficulty

Similar to "difficult period" but slightly more formal.

tough time

Uses a more informal term, "tough", to describe the difficulty.

testing times

Emphasizes the quality of being a test or trial.

unsettled times

Focuses on the lack of stability and predictability.

demanding period

Focuses on the demanding nature of the era.

era of adversity

Highlights the presence of misfortune or hardship.

time of struggle

Focuses on the act of struggling or striving against difficulties.

eventful era

Emphasizes the abundance of events, potentially difficult ones.

critical juncture

Highlights a point of decision or transition with significant implications.

FAQs

How can I use "challenging era" in a sentence?

You can use "challenging era" to describe a period marked by significant difficulties, such as "We are entering a "challenging era" for international relations".

What's a good alternative to "challenging era"?

Alternatives include "difficult period", "tough time", or "testing times", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "challenging era" too formal for casual conversation?

While "challenging era" is suitable for formal writing and speech, in casual conversation, consider using phrases like "tough time" or "hard times" for a more relaxed tone.

How does "challenging era" differ from "crisis"?

"Challenging era" describes a prolonged period of difficulty, while "crisis" refers to a specific, acute event. A "challenging era" may involve multiple crises, but the phrase emphasizes the sustained nature of the difficulties.