difficult periods

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult periods" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe times of hardship or challenges in various contexts, such as personal life, work, or historical events. Example: "Many people experience difficult periods in their lives, but it's important to seek support and find ways to cope."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These difficult periods taught Davies important lessons.

The Guardian

What pulls you through these difficult periods?

Harvard Business Review

There will surely be difficult periods and tactical adjustments.

The Guardian

For those difficult periods, she is Daddy's little helper.

The New York Times

"Peru has gone through very difficult periods," Ms. Alcorta said.

The New York Times - Travel

We were going through some really difficult periods.

The New York Times - Sports

Over the years, member states have gone through difficult periods, when democracy has been challenged.

The New Yorker

You learn a lot more about yourself going through the difficult periods.

The Guardian - Sport

There have been difficult periods but it's been an enormous privilege to do the job".

The Guardian

Martínez denied he is experiencing one of the most difficult periods of his managerial career.

The Guardian - Sport

"And I think it has sustained him through some difficult periods and events".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult periods", consider the specific nature of the difficulty you are describing. Choose alternative phrasing if you want to emphasize a particular aspect, such as the emotional strain or financial challenges.

Common error

While "difficult periods" is acceptable, overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "challenging times" or "tough times" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult periods" functions as a noun phrase, where "difficult" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "periods". It describes specific intervals or stretches of time marked by trouble, adversity, or hardship. Ludwig shows examples from news and academic sources, demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult periods" effectively describes times of hardship, challenges, or adversity, and Ludwig AI confirms it's a correct and usable expression. While versatile, it's important to choose synonyms like "challenging times" or "tough times" when greater precision is needed. The phrase sees frequent use in news and media but is also common in academic and business contexts. When writing, be aware of overuse and vary your language. "Difficult periods" is a valuable tool for describing hardship, but mindful application ensures clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

periods of hardship

Synonymous but slightly more formal.

challenging times

Focuses on the demanding nature of the period, rather than the hardship.

tough times

A more general and common way to describe hardship.

hard times

Similar to "tough times" but can imply financial difficulty.

trying times

Emphasizes the stress and strain experienced during the period.

times of trouble

Focuses on the problems and difficulties encountered.

times of adversity

Highlights the opposing forces and challenges faced.

dark days

Emphasizes the negativity and despair of the period.

rough patches

Suggests a temporary and uneven period of difficulty.

setbacks

Focuses on specific obstacles or impediments faced.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "difficult periods"?

Alternatives include "challenging times", "tough times", and "hard times". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

You can use "difficult periods" to describe challenging times in personal life, history, or business. For example: "The company navigated several "difficult periods" due to economic downturns."

Is "difficult periods" formal or informal?

The phrase "difficult periods" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "periods of hardship" might be preferable in academic or professional writing.

What is the difference between "difficult periods" and "challenging times"?

While similar, "challenging times" often emphasizes the demanding nature of the situation, while "difficult periods" highlights the hardship and potential suffering involved. The choice depends on the specific focus you want to convey.