difficult trials

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult trials" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe challenging experiences or tests that someone may face in various contexts, such as personal struggles or professional challenges. Example: "The athlete faced many difficult trials during her training, but she persevered and ultimately succeeded."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

This effect is stronger when the two choice options have more similar expected values (difficult trials).

Nature

Adults slowed down on difficult trials to preserve accuracy; but the youngest children were impulsive; their RT remained more constant but at an accuracy cost on difficult trials.

Neuropsychologia

A reactive strategy was used in a non-motivational situation and for difficult trials.

Neuropsychologia

He claimed that his favorite pastime was gardening, although he admitted to neglecting his flowers during difficult trials.

The New York Times

Of the three Gillespie children, Max seems to have faced the most difficult trials since moving here.

The New York Times - Magazine

She spent the next two decades on the bench, often seeking out difficult trials.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

"This was a difficult trial," the United States attorney, R. Alexander Acosta, said.

The New York Times

"It was a difficult trial and we plan on appealing".

The New York Times

"This is a very difficult trial from the position of the defense.

The New York Times

Several thousand, including Mr. Khan, were eventually resettled in the United States, where they faced another difficult trial: fitting in.

The New York Times

And judge Marina Syrova, tired from a difficult trial, will probably go on holiday and, as Russian officials do, will go relax somewhere in Europe.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about research or experiments, use "difficult trials" to clearly distinguish between different levels of complexity or challenge within the study design.

Common error

Avoid generalizing the term "difficult trials" to describe the process of designing trials. The phrase refers to the inherent complexity or challenge within the trials themselves, not the difficulty in creating or managing them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult trials" functions primarily as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It describes specific instances or periods characterized by hardship or challenge. Ludwig provides examples where the phrase is used to delineate challenging tasks, experiments, or experiences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “difficult trials” is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe challenging experiences or tests. Ludwig's analysis reveals its prevalence in scientific and news media, indicating a neutral to formal register. It serves to emphasize the demanding nature of specific events or periods. While alternatives like "challenging ordeals" or "arduous tests" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance one wishes to convey. Remember to use the phrase to refer to the inherent complexity of trials, not the difficulty in designing them.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging ordeals

Replaces "trials" with "ordeals", emphasizing the severity and testing nature of the challenges.

arduous tests

Substitutes both "difficult" and "trials" with synonyms that retain the sense of demanding assessments.

tough experiences

Offers a more general and less formal alternative, focusing on the nature of the experiences as being hard.

trying circumstances

Shifts the focus to the external conditions that make the trials difficult.

demanding situations

Highlights the demanding aspect of the situations rather than explicitly stating the difficulty of the trials.

testing times

A more idiomatic expression conveying the sense of trials as periods that test one's abilities or resilience.

complex challenges

Focuses on the complexity of the challenges involved, implying difficulty.

severe hardships

Emphasizes the harsh and painful nature of the trials.

formidable obstacles

Replaces "trials" with "obstacles", underscoring the idea of things that must be overcome.

grueling processes

This emphasizes the wearisome and exhausting nature of the trials, focusing on the process involved.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult trials" to describe challenging experiences, tests, or experiments. For example: "The new drug was tested under a series of difficult trials." or "The athlete overcame many difficult trials to achieve her goal."

What are some alternatives to "difficult trials"?

Alternatives to "difficult trials" include "challenging ordeals", "arduous tests", or "tough experiences", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "difficult trials" or "challenging trials"?

Both "difficult trials" and "challenging trials" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Difficult" emphasizes the hardship, while "challenging" highlights the stimulating nature of the experience.

What's the difference between "difficult trials" and "difficult times"?

"Difficult trials" typically refers to specific tests, experiments, or experiences that are challenging to complete or overcome. "Difficult times", on the other hand, generally refers to a period of hardship or adversity in someone's life or in a broader context.