daunting times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "daunting times" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe periods that are challenging, intimidating, or overwhelming, often in a context of difficulty or uncertainty. Example: "During these daunting times, we must come together to support one another and find solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Investors tend to scurry to gold in daunting times.

The New York Times

Decency and justice requires that this resolution be carried by acclamation, but as we all know, these are difficult and daunting times, and it is difficult to know what the future will hold," he said.

The Guardian

The transition period after completing a Ph.D. or postdoc can be one of the most daunting times in a young scientist's career.

Science Magazine

It helps to remind me that while we may have some daunting times ahead, there are many beautiful people working hard to make things better.

Huffington Post

And while I like Senator Obama's message of hope, I want to know what's really inside, what he really believes at core and how he'll transform that upbeat message into action in one of the most complex and daunting times in our history.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The director describes it as a "daunting" time, as he and the cast pick apart the play's questions around class, gender and feminism.

The Guardian

The proposal has raised eyebrows in Brussels because, by making the regime optional, Mrs. Reding would circumvent the daunting, time-consuming legislative process required in pushing through harmonized laws for the European single market, which in the past has allowed individual nations or groups of nations to wield a veto over significant measures.

The New York Times - Tech

"Getting apps and phones certified is a big daunting, time-consuming and frustrating task.

TechCrunch

Many think of a website redesign as a daunting, time-consuming and expensive task.

Huffington Post

It can be a bit daunting at times.

The Guardian

Her debut album, "Song Up in Her Head" (Sugar Hill), is daunting at times, an unretouched gem committed to the dark corners of bluegrass past.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "daunting times", ensure the context clearly establishes the source and nature of the challenge. The phrase works best when immediately followed by an explanation of what makes the period intimidating or difficult.

Common error

Avoid using "daunting times" in situations where the challenges are minor or easily overcome. Reserve this phrase for truly significant periods of difficulty to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "daunting times" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where 'daunting' modifies 'times'. This construction describes a specific quality of the period being referenced, highlighting its challenging or intimidating nature. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "daunting times" describes periods characterized by significant challenges and intimidation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While the phrase appears across various contexts, it is more frequently found in news and media. When writing, reserve "daunting times" for genuinely challenging situations and be mindful of the potential for overuse. Consider using alternative phrases like "challenging periods" or "trying moments" to better align with your intended tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging periods

Replaces "daunting" with a more neutral term, focusing on the difficulty rather than the intimidation.

difficult circumstances

Shifts the focus from time to the overall situation, implying hardship.

trying moments

Emphasizes the testing nature of the times, highlighting resilience.

testing times

Similar to 'trying moments', but more commonly used to describe a specific duration.

critical junctures

Highlights the importance and potential consequences of the period.

precarious situations

Emphasizes the instability and risk associated with the times.

stressful days

Focuses on the emotional burden experienced during the period.

tough phase

Simplifies the expression, suitable for more informal contexts.

hardships

This is a broader term, referring to general suffering or difficulty.

periods of adversity

Highlights the unfavorable conditions experienced during the times.

FAQs

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

"Daunting times" typically refers to periods filled with challenges and uncertainty. For example, "During these "difficult times", resilience is key."

What are some alternatives to saying "daunting times"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "challenging periods", "trying moments", or "critical junctures".

Is it always appropriate to use "daunting times"?

While grammatically correct, "daunting times" is best reserved for situations that genuinely present significant challenges. Overusing it can diminish its impact. Consider alternatives if the situation is only mildly difficult.

What distinguishes "daunting times" from ""difficult times""?

"Daunting times" suggests a sense of intimidation or fear in addition to difficulty, whereas ""difficult times"" simply implies hardship without necessarily evoking fear.