difficult period

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult period" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific amount of time that was challenging or hard to get through. Example: "The company went through a difficult period in the early 2000s, but with hard work and determination, they were able to turn things around and become successful again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A fallow, difficult period followed.

The New York Times

"It's difficult, period.

The New York Times - Sports

It was an extremely difficult period".

Independent

A difficult period followed for the church.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This was a difficult period for Jansch.

The Guardian - Music

There was a long, difficult period.

The New York Times

Tesco continues to endure a difficult period.

The Guardian - Business

"It was a very difficult period.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She called it an extremely difficult period.

The New York Times

It was just a really difficult period.

The New York Times

Now they're coming into a difficult period".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "difficult period", be specific about the challenges faced and their impact. This adds clarity and depth to your writing, making it more engaging for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult period" as a vague descriptor. Always provide context or specific examples to illustrate the nature of the difficulty and its impact, otherwise the phrase becomes a cliché.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult period" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'difficult' modifies the noun 'period'. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use to describe times of hardship, challenges, or adversity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

22%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult period" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe challenging times. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered correct and used in many contexts. It is especially common in news and media. To use it effectively, provide context to clarify the specific challenges faced during the specified duration. While versatile, avoid overuse without sufficient detail. Consider related phrases like "challenging time" or "tough phase" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging time

Focuses on the demanding nature of the period.

tough phase

Implies a stage or segment that is hard to endure.

hard spell

Indicates a brief duration of hardship.

trying circumstances

Emphasizes the situational difficulties.

testing times

Highlights the way the period examines one's resilience.

time of adversity

Stresses the hardship and misfortune experienced.

period of hardship

Focuses on the deprivation and suffering involved.

era of struggle

Highlights the prolonged effort needed to overcome the difficulties.

rough patch

Suggests a temporary setback or minor difficulty.

tumultuous era

Implies a period marked by chaos, upheaval, and strong emotions.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "difficult period" in a sentence?

To use "difficult period" effectively, provide context about what made the period challenging. For example, instead of saying "The company had a difficult period", try "The company had a "difficult period" due to increased competition and declining sales".

What are some alternatives to using "difficult period"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "challenging time", "tough phase", or "hard spell" to describe a time of hardship.

Is it appropriate to use "difficult period" in formal writing?

Yes, "difficult period" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and concise way to describe a time of hardship without being overly emotional or informal. However, ensure you provide specific details to support your statement.

How does "difficult period" differ from "rough patch"?

While both describe challenging times, "difficult period" implies a more sustained and significant period of hardship, whereas "rough patch" often suggests a temporary or less severe setback.