difficult time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult time" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to refer to a period of hardship or struggle, and can refer to a specific event or an extended period of time. For example, "The family has been through a difficult time since their mother passed away two years ago."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Adolescence is a difficult time.

The Economist

It is a difficult time.

The New York Times

This is a difficult time".

Independent

It was a difficult time.

The New York Times

It was a difficult time in Sudan.

The New York Times

It was a difficult time of adolescence.

The New York Times

It is a very difficult time".

The Guardian

"It was an incredibly difficult time".

The Guardian

"It came at a difficult time.

The New York Times - Sports

He had a difficult time there.

The New York Times

She was going through a difficult time.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "difficult time", be specific about the nature of the challenges faced to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Instead of simply stating someone is going through a "difficult time", elaborate on the specific hardships they are facing, such as financial struggles, health issues, or relationship problems, to create a more empathetic and understanding portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult time" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or a verb. It describes a period or moment characterized by hardship, challenges, or adversity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult time" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a period of hardship or adversity. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to provide specific details about the nature of the difficulties to enhance clarity and empathy. While alternatives like "challenging period" or "tough phase" exist, "difficult time" remains a straightforward and widely understood expression for conveying empathy and understanding during challenging situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging period

Replaces "time" with "period", emphasizing a duration filled with challenges.

tough phase

Substitutes "difficult" with "tough" and "time" with "phase", suggesting a temporary but demanding stage.

trying circumstances

Focuses on the external conditions that make the period difficult.

hardship

A more concise term that captures the essence of suffering and difficulty.

time of adversity

Highlights the presence of unfavorable conditions and misfortune.

rough patch

An idiomatic expression for a period of trouble or difficulty.

testing moment

Emphasizes the quality of testing one's resilience and abilities.

unfavorable circumstances

Underscores the negative aspects of the situations experienced.

period of struggle

Emphasizes the effort required to overcome the challenges.

time of tribulation

Implies a period marked by suffering and distress.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult time" to describe a period marked by challenges, such as "The company experienced a "difficult time" after the economic downturn" or "She's been going through a "difficult time" since her accident".

What are some alternatives to "difficult time"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "challenging period", "tough phase", or "trying circumstances" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it more appropriate to say "a difficult time" or "difficult times"?

The choice between "a difficult time" and "difficult times" depends on whether you are referring to a specific period or multiple instances of hardship. "A difficult time" refers to a single, continuous period, while "difficult times" refers to recurring or multiple instances of hardship.

What's the difference between "difficult time" and "hard time"?

While both phrases convey hardship, ""difficult time"" is generally used for broader challenges, whereas "hard time" can sometimes imply legal trouble or imprisonment in certain contexts.