difficult test of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult test of time" is not correct in standard English usage.
The correct expression is "test of time," which refers to something that has proven its worth or durability over a long period. Example: "The old oak tree has withstood the difficult test of time, standing strong for over a century."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The world has gone madder than Chandler ever imagined, but Marlowe proves he can stand the most difficult test of time – and he never has to give up his cigarettes or his 1948 Lincoln Continental to do it.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Here in these quiet hills, you've come together to prepare for the most difficult test of our time.

Forbes

"Here, in the quiet of these hills, you have come together to prepare for the most difficult tests of our time," Obama said.

The Washington Post

During exposure the subjects were engaged in an easy reaction time test or a difficult test of logical thinking.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

"The portfolios are withstanding the test of time in extremely difficult circumstances," he added.

The New York Times

Something stood the test of time.

The New York Times

Will that stand the test of time?

The Guardian

"They've withstood the test of time.

The New York Times - Sports

Will those stand the test of time?

The New York Times

They had stood the test of time.

The New York Times - Travel

Apply the test of time.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer the standard phrase "test of time" to convey endurance and lasting quality. Using "difficult" is redundant and not idiomatic.

Common error

Avoid adding "difficult" before "test of time". The phrase already implies a challenge; adding "difficult" is unnecessary and weakens the expression's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult test of time" functions as a noun phrase, but its usage is non-idiomatic. Standard English prefers the phrase "test of time". As Ludwig AI suggests, using "difficult" is generally unnecessary and doesn't align with common usage patterns.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult test of time" is a non-standard variation of the common idiom "test of time". While the intention is clear—to emphasize a challenging endurance—it's generally considered grammatically incorrect and redundant. Ludwig AI confirms that the standard phrase "test of time" is preferred. For clarity and impact, it's best to stick with the idiomatic expression or consider alternatives like "enduring challenge" if you need to highlight the difficulty, though they don't precisely capture the same meaning. Given its rarity and grammatical status, avoid "difficult test of time" in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enduring trial

Focuses on the aspect of facing hardship over time, omitting the explicit idea of a "test".

lasting ordeal

Emphasizes a painful or difficult experience that persists, differing from a simple evaluation.

prolonged challenge

Highlights the extended nature of a demanding task, without specifically framing it as a "test".

rigorous trial

Conveys the severity and demanding nature of a test, with less emphasis on the time aspect.

the acid test

Implies a conclusive test of genuineness, diverging from the notion of temporal endurance.

ordeal by time

Reverses the wording to emphasize the durational experience of an ordeal.

long-term evaluation

Stresses the aspect of evaluation over a long duration, without necessarily implying difficulty.

trial of endurance

Focuses on the ability to withstand hardship, shifting the emphasis from testing.

marathon challenge

Emphasizes the long and sustained effort required, rather than a specific test.

extended scrutiny

Highlights continuous and thorough examination over a period of time, omitting the sense of difficulty.

FAQs

Is "difficult test of time" grammatically correct?

No, the standard and accepted phrase is "test of time". Adding "difficult" is generally considered redundant and not idiomatic in English.

What does "test of time" mean?

The phrase "test of time" refers to the ability of something to remain popular, useful, or successful over a long period. It implies that something has proven its worth and durability.

Are there alternative ways to express the same idea as "difficult test of time"?

While "difficult test of time" isn't standard, you could use phrases like "enduring challenge" or "rigorous trial" to emphasize the challenging nature of something that lasts. However, these don't perfectly capture the original intent.

When should I use "test of time"?

Use "test of time" when you want to emphasize that something has proven its value or durability over an extended period. For instance, "This design has stood the test of time".