difficult stage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'difficult stage' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a period of time or situation that is characterized by difficulty or hardship. For example, "We are currently going through a difficult stage of our lives, but I know things will improve eventually".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is the first stage very difficult stage.

The Guardian

"This is a very difficult stage," he said.

The New York Times

Another difficult stage will follow the rest day.

The New York Times - Sports

"Today was a really difficult stage, with that crazy finish.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was quite a difficult stage today with the cold.

Independent

No wonder relations are "in a difficult stage".

The New York Times

"Certainly this relationship is in a difficult stage.

The New York Times

The riders will be shattered from the previous day's difficult stage, so watch for crashes.

The New York Times - Sports

But to answer your question: The war is in a very difficult stage right now.

The New Yorker

The intraductal manipulation of the guidewire seems to be the most difficult stage of the procedure.

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

"It is a difficult stage," Mr. Basu said in an interview.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "difficult stage", provide context to clarify the specific nature of the challenges involved. This helps the audience understand the situation's complexities and potential impact.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult stage" as a vague descriptor. Instead of simply stating that something is in a "difficult stage", specify the challenges, obstacles, or complexities that characterize this phase. For example, instead of saying "The project is in a difficult stage", specify "The project is in a difficult stage due to unexpected budget cuts and technical challenges".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult stage" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. It describes a specific period or phase characterized by challenges, hardship, or complexity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "difficult stage" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression to describe a period or phase marked by challenges or hardships. As Ludwig AI confirmed, this phrase is appropriate for use in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, the expression also sees considerable usage in scientific contexts. While readily understood, remember to provide specific details regarding the nature of the difficulty, ensuring clarity and impact. Related alternatives such as "challenging phase" and "complex period" can be used for subtle variations in meaning, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging phase

This alternative replaces "difficult" with "challenging" and "stage" with "phase", maintaining a similar meaning but with a slightly different connotation.

complex period

This phrase uses "complex" to describe the nature of the difficulty and "period" instead of "stage", indicating a span of time.

trying time

This alternative emphasizes the emotional aspect of the difficulty, suggesting a period that tests one's resilience.

tough situation

This phrase focuses on the circumstances contributing to the difficulty, rather than the phase itself.

critical juncture

This phrase suggests a point of decision or turning point that is also difficult.

sensitive phase

Implies the stage requires careful handling due to potential difficulties.

problematic time

Emphasizes the presence of problems or issues that make the period difficult.

precarious moment

Highlights the instability and potential danger associated with the difficult situation.

rocky patch

This idiom refers to a period of trouble or difficulty, often in a relationship or process.

arduous juncture

An alternative that uses "arduous" to describe the difficulty and "juncture" to emphasize the significance of the moment.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult stage" to describe a challenging period in a process, relationship, or project. For instance, "The company is navigating a "difficult stage" of restructuring".

What are some alternatives to saying "difficult stage"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "challenging phase", "complex period", or "trying time" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always appropriate to use the term "difficult stage"?

While generally acceptable, consider your audience and the specific context. In some cases, a more precise or nuanced term might be more suitable. For example, "critical juncture" might be better to highlight a decision point.

What makes a "difficult stage" different from a "challenging phase"?

While similar, "difficult stage" often implies a higher degree of hardship or complexity than "challenging phase". A "challenging phase" might simply require effort and skill, while a "difficult stage" may involve significant obstacles or setbacks.