difficult moment

USAGE SUMMARY

'difficult moment' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation or time that is challenging, difficult, or unpleasant. For example: She was facing a difficult moment when she found out that she had failed the test.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This was a very difficult moment.

Independent

It was a difficult moment.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's a difficult moment for us.

The Guardian - Sport

He always delivers in a difficult moment.

The Guardian - Sport

We know it's a difficult moment.

The Guardian - Sport

It was an emotionally difficult moment".

The Guardian - Film

It's a difficult moment for Europe.

The Guardian

"It was a very difficult moment," Birk, 50, explained.

Independent

"It is a very difficult moment in Italy.

The New York Times

He will be going through a difficult moment.

BBC

What has been the most difficult moment of your career?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "difficult moment", provide specific details about what made the situation challenging to enhance the impact and credibility of your narrative.

Common error

Avoid relying on overly dramatic language when describing a "difficult moment". Instead, focus on conveying the genuine emotional impact through precise and authentic descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult moment" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a challenging situation or period.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult moment" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe challenging or trying times. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread across diverse contexts, ranging from news reports to personal reflections. While its neutral register makes it suitable for various forms of communication, more formal settings may benefit from exploring alternatives like "challenging time" or "trying period". Remember to provide specific details to enhance the impact and credibility of your narrative when using the phrase and avoid relying on overly dramatic or cliché language. In summary, "difficult moment" effectively conveys hardship, but careful consideration of context and precise language will ensure the most impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging time

Shifts the focus to the challenge aspect of the moment, rather than the inherent difficulty.

tough situation

Highlights the demanding circumstances of the event.

trying period

Emphasizes the aspect of testing one's resilience over a duration.

hard time

A more general and less formal way to describe a period of difficulty.

crisis point

Indicates a critical juncture where decisive action is needed.

low point

Focuses on the negativity and potential for improvement.

rough patch

Suggests a temporary and somewhat milder period of difficulty.

delicate situation

Highlights the need for careful handling.

testing phase

Frames the difficulty as part of a larger process of evaluation or development.

period of adversity

Emphasizes the hardship and opposition faced during the time.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult moment" to describe a challenging or trying situation, such as "Graduating during an economic recession was a "difficult moment" for many college students".

What are some phrases similar to "difficult moment"?

Alternatives include phrases like "challenging time", "tough situation", or "hard time", each carrying a slightly different nuance.

Is it okay to use "difficult moment" in formal writing?

Yes, "difficult moment" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, though in more formal contexts, you might consider alternatives like "challenging time" or "trying period" for added sophistication.

What's the difference between "difficult moment" and "crisis"?

While both terms refer to challenging situations, ""difficult moment"" generally describes a period of hardship or challenge, whereas "crisis" implies a more acute and urgent situation that requires immediate action.