Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
difficult period of student
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "difficult period of student" is not correct in English.
It seems to be missing a word or two for clarity. You might use it when discussing challenges faced by a student during a specific time, but it needs to be rephrased for proper usage. Example: "During a difficult period of being a student, I struggled to balance my studies and personal life."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(20)
was a difficult period
it was a difficult period
this difficult period
a difficult period for
a difficult period
has been a difficult period
it has been a difficult period
difficult period
this is a difficult period
a difficult period of
difficult period of hyperinflation
difficult period recently
difficult period of family
difficult period of history
difficult period of reconstruction
difficult period of adjustment
difficult period of initiation
difficult period of repression
difficult period of transition
such a difficult period
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
He was Oxford's first full-time vice-chancellor (1969-73), serving during a difficult period of student unrest.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
Was it the most difficult period of his career?
News & Media
But it was an extremely difficult period of her life.
News & Media
And all of that means it's been a difficult period of time".
News & Media
There will be a difficult period of transition during which massive unemployment will sweep the country.
News & Media
"It was the most difficult period of my life," he says.
News & Media
"This has been the most difficult period of my basketball life," he said.
News & Media
It was the most difficult period of my life".
News & Media
But moving on after his death has been the most difficult period of my life.
News & Media
After the incredibly difficult period of time following my miscarriage, I realized something about having children.
News & Media
The transition from the pre-clinical years to the clinical workplace is known to be a difficult period for students [ 10].
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
For clarity, rephrase "difficult period of student" to "challenging time for a student" or specify the type of difficulty encountered, such as "academic challenges faced by a student".
Common error
Don't use vague phrasing like "difficult period of student" without providing context. Instead, clearly state the nature of the difficulty and its impact on the student's life or studies.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "difficult period of student" functions as a noun phrase, attempting to describe a challenging time experienced by a student. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is not correct in English and needs to be rephrased for clarity.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Science
25%
Formal & Business
25%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "difficult period of student" is understandable, it's grammatically awkward and lacks clarity. Ludwig AI suggests rephrasing it for better flow and natural language use. More effective alternatives include "challenging time for a student" or specifying the difficulty, such as "academic challenges faced by a student". Given its infrequent usage and grammatical ambiguity, prioritizing clarity and precision is recommended in both writing and speech. Always provide sufficient context to ensure your message is accurately conveyed.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
challenging time for a student
Replaces "difficult period" with a more common adjective, improving flow.
tough phase for a student
Uses "tough phase" for a less formal but equally understandable alternative.
difficult time in a student's life
Adds "in a student's life" for better context and clarity.
struggle during student years
Focuses on the "struggle" experienced during the student timeframe.
academic challenges faced by a student
Highlights "academic challenges" to specify the nature of the difficulty.
hardships encountered as a student
Replaces "difficult period" with "hardships encountered", emphasizing the challenges faced.
trying times for students
Generalizes the difficulty to "trying times" affecting multiple students.
a student's difficult experience
Shifts focus to the "experience" being difficult, offering a more personal perspective.
challenging academic journey
Uses "academic journey" as a metaphor for the student's path, highlighting its difficulty.
a period of academic struggle
Focuses more specifically on the "academic struggle".
FAQs
How can I rephrase "difficult period of student" for better clarity?
You can use alternatives like "challenging time for a student" or specify the type of difficulty, such as "academic challenges faced by a student".
Is "difficult period of student" grammatically correct?
While understandable, "difficult period of student" is grammatically awkward. It's better to rephrase it for improved clarity and natural language use. Consider options like "challenging time for a student".
What's the difference between "difficult period of student" and "difficult time for a student"?
"Difficult period of student" sounds unnatural, while "difficult time for a student" is clearer and more commonly used. The latter provides a more natural flow and is easier to understand.
When is it appropriate to use the phrase "difficult period of student"?
It's generally better to avoid "difficult period of student" due to its awkward phrasing. However, if you must use it, ensure you provide sufficient context to clarify the nature of the difficulty and its impact on the student. More direct alternatives are "challenging academic journey" or "academic challenges faced by a student".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested