dreadful time

USAGE SUMMARY

'dreadful time' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a period of time which was particularly negative or unpleasant. For example: "I had a dreadful time at my old job and am so relieved to be in a new position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One dreadful time, I forgot a lesson.

The New Yorker

It was an absolutely dreadful time.

Independent

She took over at a dreadful time.

The Economist

"Explanations take such a dreadful time".

The Guardian - Books

He has been through a dreadful time.

The Guardian

Newspapers and magazines are having a dreadful time.

The Economist

I think it's a dreadful time of life".

The New Yorker

"It has been the most dreadful time," she says.

The Guardian

Their dreadful time continued in the T20s, losing those4-0.

The Guardian - Sport

"But they're having a dreadful time convincing the national governments".

The New York Times - Travel

I'm supposed to be having a dreadful time?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dreadful time" to describe past experiences, consider pairing it with specific details or examples to better illustrate the severity and nature of the experience.

Common error

Avoid using "dreadful time" to describe mildly unpleasant situations; reserve it for experiences that genuinely involve significant hardship or suffering to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dreadful time" functions as a noun phrase, where "dreadful" modifies the noun "time". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, typically serving as a subject or object within a sentence to describe a period characterized by negative experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dreadful time" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for expressing significant hardship or difficulty during a specific period. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is well-established across various contexts. Analysis of examples reveals that it is commonly found in news and media, as well as formal business communications. While versatile, it’s best reserved for situations involving genuine suffering to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "horrible period" or "awful experience" for variety, but understand that "dreadful time" carries a distinct weight of negativity. When used appropriately, it effectively communicates the severity of a difficult experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

horrible period

Emphasizes the unpleasant nature of the time, similar to "dreadful time".

awful experience

Focuses on the negative feelings associated with the time.

terrible ordeal

Highlights the challenging and difficult aspects of the time.

unpleasant chapter

Suggests a specific, defined period that was not enjoyable.

difficult phase

Indicates a stage or period marked by challenges and struggles.

trying circumstances

Focuses on the external conditions that made the time difficult.

challenging moment

Highlights a specific instance or period of difficulty.

rough patch

Suggests a temporary period of difficulty or hardship.

tough situation

Emphasizes the overall difficulty of the circumstances.

grim episode

Implies a particularly dark or unpleasant event or period.

FAQs

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

You can use "dreadful time" to describe a period marked by significant difficulty or unhappiness, such as, "She went through a "dreadful time" after losing her job".

What are some alternatives to "dreadful time"?

Alternatives include "horrible period", "awful experience", or "terrible ordeal", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "dreadful time" in formal writing?

Yes, "dreadful time" is appropriate for formal writing when accurately describing a period of significant hardship or difficulty. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it fits the overall context.

What distinguishes "dreadful time" from "bad time"?

"Dreadful time" implies a more severe and unpleasant experience than "bad time". "Dreadful" suggests a higher degree of suffering or difficulty.