difficult period of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'difficult period of time' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a stretch of time that was filled with difficult experiences. For example: "I went through a very difficult period of time after the death of my mother."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

And all of that means it's been a difficult period of time".

The New York Times

I was the CFO of British Airways at 9/11 and that was a really difficult period of time," he said.

The Guardian - Business

"Part of the president's job is communicating to the American people through a difficult period of time," said Rahm Emanuel, the White House chief of staff.

The New York Times

According to Drew, her office contributed twenty-three billion dollars to the bank's earnings from 2007 through 2011, "helping to offset business losses incurred during that difficult period of time".

The New Yorker

But the confluence of the diagnosis and the state's election calendar could force Mr. Giuliani to make some pivotal decisions about his Senate candidacy rapidly, and over roughly the same difficult period of time.

The New York Times

"It's been a very difficult period of time economically in New York, but it's all relative," said Dawn Lester, 39, an Upper West Side resident who works in the advertising business.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"We've got an adaptability from having lived through these difficult periods of time," Dorman says.

Forbes

"It's an exceptional management team and we were fortunate to have them thorugh one of the most difficult periods of time for recruitment and business," he said.

TechCrunch

He was Oxford's first full-time vice-chancellor (1969-73), serving during a difficult period of student unrest.

The Guardian

"It is a difficult situation, particularly that period of time, for the intelligence agencies," he told the Nine Network on Thursday.

The Guardian

"We're going to look back in three or four years and see the last 12 months as a difficult but singularly beneficial period of time," Mr. Brennan said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about personal experiences, using "difficult period of time" can help convey the emotional weight of those experiences without being overly dramatic.

Common error

While "difficult period of time" is accurate, avoid using it repeatedly in close succession. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms like "challenging times" or "periods of hardship" for better readability and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult period of time" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as an adverbial of time, modifying a verb to describe when something occurred. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and suitable for general use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult period of time" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a prolonged experience filled with challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for general use across various contexts. While versatile, it’s advisable to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "challenging time" or "tough time" to maintain reader engagement. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, science, and wiki sources, indicating its broad applicability. However, more formal writing might benefit from alternatives such as "adverse period". By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "difficult period of time" to convey hardship without being overly repetitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging time

Replaces 'difficult period' with a single adjective 'challenging', simplifying the phrase.

tough time

Substitutes 'difficult' with 'tough', indicating a hard or trying experience.

hard time

Replaces 'difficult' with 'hard', suggesting a period marked by hardship or adversity.

trying time

Uses 'trying' instead of 'difficult', implying a time that tests one's patience and endurance.

adverse period

Replaces 'difficult' with 'adverse' and 'time' with 'period', formalizing the tone.

testing times

Replaces 'difficult' with 'testing' and implies a situation that evaluates resilience.

period of hardship

Focuses on the 'hardship' experienced during the time, emphasizing the suffering.

era of struggle

Indicates a time marked by significant 'struggle' and effort.

time of adversity

Highlights the 'adversity' faced during the specified duration.

season of difficulty

Uses 'season' to denote a specific duration, adding a metaphorical and cyclical feel.

FAQs

How can I use "difficult period of time" in a sentence?

You can use "difficult period of time" to describe a prolonged experience filled with challenges. For example, "She went through a "difficult period of time" after losing her job."

What are some alternatives to saying "difficult period of time"?

Alternatives include "challenging time", "tough time", or "hard time", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "difficult period of time" is appropriate for formal writing. However, in some contexts, alternatives like "adverse period" or "period of hardship" might be more suitable, depending on the specific context and desired tone.

What's the difference between "difficult period of time" and "challenging time"?

While both phrases describe a tough experience, "difficult period of time" suggests a more prolonged and sustained struggle, while "challenging time" can refer to a shorter, though intense, period.