during challenging times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "during challenging times" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to periods of difficulty or adversity in various contexts, such as personal, social, or economic situations. Example: "Many people have shown resilience during challenging times, finding ways to adapt and overcome obstacles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Mr. Ford said Mr. Reagan was "an excellent leader of our nation during challenging times at home and abroad".

The New York Times

Less engaged or willing to make sacrifices for the common good during challenging times, the British public perhaps increasingly sees it as the responsibility of the individual to get through.

The Guardian

It can provide a helpful sense of clarity during challenging times.

Science Magazine

"That is why we continue to engage with the industry to ensure that appropriate support is provided during challenging times.

BBC

Elizabeth tells Russ she appreciates all his help during challenging times and that he's part of the family now.

BBC

Putting your savings, bills and investments on autopilot will simplify your life and enhance your discipline during challenging times.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

In a letter to Bush, O'Neill said it had been his privilege to serve "during these challenging times".

Forbes

Tim Baxter, Samsung Electronics America's president and chief operating officer, said: "We appreciate the patience of our consumers, carriers and retail partners for carrying the burden during these challenging times.

The Guardian - Tech

It creates a strong competitor in the market that can provide much-needed liquidity to the small business and retail sectors of our economy during these challenging times.

The Economist

In our study, the data were collected during the challenging times of a merger of two large international banks that jointly have over 550,000 customers and 1000 ATMs.

Computers in Human Behavior

"Apple delivered a solid quarter and is one of the few companies making a profit in personal computers during these challenging times," said Steven P. Jobs, the chief executive of Apple.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "during challenging times" to acknowledge difficulties while maintaining a positive outlook. It frames problems as temporary and surmountable.

Common error

Avoid using "during challenging times" in situations that are only mildly inconvenient. Overusing it can diminish its impact when describing truly difficult situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during challenging times" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as an adverbial modifier to specify when something occurs. Ludwig examples show it modifying verbs and clauses, indicating the period in which actions or situations take place.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Huffington Post

20%

BBC

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "during challenging times" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe periods of difficulty or adversity. As Ludwig AI points out, it’s frequently found in news media, business contexts, and academic discussions. While versatile, overuse in trivial situations should be avoided to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "in difficult times" or "amidst adversity" can provide nuanced variations. Remember to frame problems as temporary and surmountable when using this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in difficult times

Replaces "challenging" with "difficult", maintaining the core meaning.

through trying circumstances

Highlights the testing and difficult nature of the situation.

in tough periods

Substitutes both "challenging" and "times" with "tough" and "periods" respectively, offering a slightly more informal tone.

in times of hardship

Emphasizes the difficult and often impoverished nature of the period.

in the face of adversity

Focuses on confronting and dealing with difficult circumstances.

amidst adversity

Uses a more formal and literary term, "adversity", to describe the difficult situation.

during periods of crisis

Highlights the severity of the situation, suggesting a critical turning point.

under duress

Suggests a state of being forced or constrained by difficult circumstances.

under pressure

Suggests a state of stress and strain due to difficult circumstances.

when things get rough

Uses a more colloquial expression to indicate a period of difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "during challenging times" in a sentence?

You can use "during challenging times" to describe a period marked by significant difficulties or adversity. For example: "Many companies struggled "during challenging times" due to the economic recession".

What phrases are similar to "during challenging times"?

Several phrases can replace "during challenging times", including "in difficult times", "during tough periods", or "amidst adversity", depending on the desired tone and context.

Is it appropriate to use "during challenging times" in formal writing?

Yes, "during challenging times" is suitable for formal writing. While not overly technical, it is professional and conveys a sense of seriousness and reflection appropriate for business and academic contexts.

What's the difference between "during challenging times" and "in times of crisis"?

"During challenging times" refers to a period of difficulty that may not necessarily be a full-blown crisis. "In times of crisis" implies a more acute and urgent situation that threatens stability or survival.