dire time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dire time" is not a commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used in informal spoken English, but not formally in writing. For example, one might say, "We're in a dire time right now."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The Moore signing comes at a dire time.

The New York Times - Sports

Looked at in one way, this summer was a dire time for deal-making.

The New York Times

It was a dire time: I could barely speak about what had happened.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To raise these queries is not to play gotcha, or to be judgmental in a dire time.

The New York Times

"It's good to have some release in this dire time," she added, "at a price point you can afford".

The New York Times

She has kept those remaining coins and plans to turn them into jewellery to remind her of that "dire" time.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Unlike the unspeakable Benjamin Button, the dire time-slip drama starring Brad Pitt, which this film faintly resembles, and those other buttery heartwarmers such as The Notebook, The Lake House and Message in a Bottle, you're often laughing with it, not at it.

The Guardian - Film

"We're in such dire times".

The New York Times

When more dire times hit, the bank was raided.

The New York Times

Friends would have been valuable to have in ancestral environments, especially during dire times of need.

University of California, Berkeley

In a concession to dire times, Mr. Obama cut his request to $300 million for the coming year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dire time" to emphasize a period marked by extreme hardship, necessity, or danger. It is most effective when highlighting a specific, critical moment or era.

Common error

Avoid using "dire time" in everyday conversations or writing about minor inconveniences. Its strength lies in conveying significant urgency and gravity, so reserve it for truly serious situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dire time" functions as a noun phrase, where "dire" modifies "time", emphasizing its severity. The phrase typically acts as an adverbial modifier, providing context for other events. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as acceptably grammatical, though not overly common in formal writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dire time" is a phrase used to describe moments or periods marked by significant hardship or danger. Ludwig AI identifies it as acceptably grammatical, although it's not a phrase frequently encountered in formal writing; rather, it is more common in news and media contexts. When writing, consider the gravity of the situation you are describing to ensure the phrase's intensity is appropriate. Alternatives like "critical period" or "challenging moment" may offer a similar meaning while slightly altering the tone or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critical period

Focuses on the severity and decisiveness of the moment.

difficult juncture

Highlights the challenges and the importance of decisions made.

challenging moment

Emphasizes the difficulty and demands faced during the period.

tough situation

Underscores the adversity and the need for resilience.

crisis point

Indicates a decisive and potentially dangerous phase.

precarious situation

Highlights the instability and risk involved.

testing phase

Focuses on the evaluative and demanding aspects of the time.

adverse circumstances

Highlights the unfavorable conditions present.

desperate straits

Emphasizes the severity and urgency of the situation.

grim circumstances

Focuses on the bleak and unfavorable conditions.

FAQs

What does "dire time" mean?

A "dire time" signifies a period characterized by extreme danger, urgency, or hardship. It suggests that the situation is critical and requires immediate attention.

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

You can use "dire time" to describe critical moments or eras, such as "The Moore signing comes at a "dire time" for the Giants" or "These are "dire times" for the Blue Jackets".

What are some alternatives to saying "dire time"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "critical period", "difficult juncture", or "challenging moment", which convey a similar sense of urgency and hardship.

Is it more common to say "dire time" or "dire times"?

Both "dire time" and ""dire times"" are used, with ""dire times"" often referring to a more extended or recurring period of hardship, while "dire time" can refer to a specific, critical moment.