difficult age

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult age" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenging period in someone's life, often referring to adolescence or a specific phase of development. Example: "Many teenagers experience a difficult age as they navigate the complexities of growing up and finding their identity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Marrakech Thirty-three is a difficult age.

The Guardian - Travel

Adam Sandler is at that difficult age.

The New York Times

Their children are at a difficult age.

The Guardian - Books

I was 14 at the time, a difficult age.

The Guardian - Film

It's a difficult age at which to change countries.

The Guardian - Books

He is writing difficult poetry for a difficult age, he said.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

They changed schools at difficult ages.

The New York Times - Sports

Finals and holidays are upon us, which means that every morning you're facing the important and difficult age-old question: Can I wear sweatpants to school again?

Huffington Post

In this way, we provide a detailed view on not just developing myelin but also the white matter underpinnings of language across an under-studied and practically difficult age-range.

Human Brain Mapping

Difficult intubation, age older than 60 years, and female gender were associated with claims for perforation of the esophagus or pharynx.

Wikipedia

Consequently, rapid access to aged animals is difficult and ageing research becomes the domain of a small group of well-funded researchers, with the means to support rolling colonies of ageing mice.

Biogerontology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "difficult age", consider the specific challenges associated with that period to provide a more nuanced understanding. For example, instead of just stating "adolescence is a difficult age", specify the social and emotional challenges that make it so.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all individuals experience the same difficulties during a "difficult age". Recognize that experiences can vary greatly based on individual circumstances, cultural background, and personal resilience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult age" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "difficult" modifies the noun "age". It typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence, describing a period or stage characterized by challenges. Ludwig examples show this phrase used in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

23%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult age" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that describes a challenging period in life, often associated with adolescence, historical eras, or specific phases of development. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is used across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. When writing, be mindful of the specific challenges inherent to the age you're describing to add depth and avoid overgeneralizations. Consider using alternatives like "challenging period" or "problematic stage" to tailor your language to the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging period

Replaces 'difficult' with 'challenging' and 'age' with 'period', focusing on the demanding nature of the time.

tough time

Replaces 'difficult' with 'tough', indicating a period marked by hardship and resilience.

problematic stage

Highlights the issues and difficulties inherent in a particular phase of development or history.

troubled era

Emphasizes the problematic and unsettled nature of the time, shifting from personal to a broader historical context.

challenging phase of life

Emphasizes the life cycle perspective and the demanding nature of that specific moment.

demanding stage

Focuses on the high expectations and requirements of a particular phase of development.

testing phase

Highlights the trial and evaluation aspects of the age or period, often implying a need for resilience.

trying period

Implies a phase that tests one's patience and endurance, focusing on the stress involved.

awkward stage

Focuses on the uncomfortable and clumsy aspects of a developmental period, commonly used for adolescence.

complex time

Indicates a period marked by intricacy and multiple interconnected challenges.

FAQs

How can I use "difficult age" in a sentence?

You can use "difficult age" to describe a challenging period in someone's life. For example: "Many teenagers experience a difficult age as they navigate the complexities of growing up and finding their identity."

What are some alternative phrases for "difficult age"?

You can use alternatives like "challenging period", "problematic stage", or "awkward stage" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a difficult age" or should I use another article?

The phrase "difficult age" typically uses the indefinite article "a" because it refers to a general period of difficulty, rather than a specific, pre-defined age. The indefinite article is correct in almost all cases.

What makes an age or period "difficult"?

A "difficult age" is characterized by significant challenges, transitions, or complexities that individuals or societies face. These can include physical, emotional, social, economic, or political difficulties that make navigating that period particularly hard.