during these difficult times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'during these difficult times' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to refer to a period of time when things are challenging. For example: "We want to thank all of our customers for their continued support during these difficult times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Peace of mind is an important tool during these difficult times.

The New York Times

"We are working with HMV and the administrators during these difficult times," said a spokeswoman for Universal Music.

The Guardian

He criticised the orchestra's administrators for presuming that "audiences only want comfort and familiarity during these difficult times".

The Guardian - Books

We are grateful to all those who have respected our privacy during these difficult times," the statement said.

The Washington Post

And NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said that his thoughts were with all Poles during these difficult times.

The New York Times

We have been able to spend more during these difficult times because we were careful when times were good.

The New York Times

"It is not time for harsh opposition during these difficult times for Greece, when Greeks are suffering.

The New York Times

We aim to ensure all our tenants receive the best possible advice and support tailored to their individual circumstances during these difficult times.

The Guardian

The scenes of devastation at ground zero have been a backdrop for Mr. Bush's photo opportunities to rally the American people during these difficult times.

The New York Times

Regardless of the outcome, some residents, including Ms. Jones and Ms. Meyer, may find that they can make even a small difference during these difficult times.

The New York Times

"It's a chance," he says, after some thought, "because the music has not been spoilt that much during these difficult times.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "during these difficult times", be specific about the challenges you are addressing to provide context and clarity for your audience. Tailor your message to reflect empathy and understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "during these difficult times" repeatedly in formal or academic writing. Opt for more specific and nuanced language to convey the challenges at hand and maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during these difficult times" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the temporal context of an action or state. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing how it's used to set the stage for a discussion about overcoming challenges or expressing support.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

17%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "during these difficult times" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that serves to acknowledge and contextualize periods of hardship. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It’s most frequently found in news and media, formal business communications and academia settings, where it sets a tone of empathy and shared understanding. While versatile, it is important to avoid overuse and consider more specific language in formal contexts to maintain a professional tone and avoid sounding cliché. Alternatives like "in these trying times" or "amidst these challenging circumstances" can offer a more nuanced approach depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in these trying times

Replaces "difficult" with "trying", emphasizing the challenging nature of the period.

amidst these challenging circumstances

Substitutes "difficult times" with "challenging circumstances", focusing on the situational aspect.

through this period of hardship

Replaces "difficult times" with "period of hardship", emphasizing the suffering involved.

in the face of adversity

Uses a more figurative expression to highlight the presence of hardship.

given the present challenges

Highlights the existence of current difficulties or obstacles.

under the current circumstances

Offers a more neutral tone, focusing on the present situation without explicitly emphasizing difficulty.

as we grapple with these issues

Emphasizes the struggle and effort involved in dealing with the problems.

through this crisis

Highlights a situation regarded as unstable or dangerous.

while navigating these complexities

Focuses on the intricate and complicated nature of the situation.

in light of recent events

Focuses on the impact of recent happenings on the present situation.

FAQs

How can I use "during these difficult times" in a sentence?

You can use "during these difficult times" to refer to a period marked by significant challenges or hardships. For example, "We appreciate your patience "during these difficult times" as we navigate these unprecedented circumstances."

What are some alternatives to saying "during these difficult times"?

Alternatives to "during these difficult times" include "in these trying times", "amidst these challenging circumstances", or "in the face of adversity". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

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

While grammatically correct, "during these difficult times" can sound cliché in formal writing. Consider more specific and nuanced phrasing to maintain a professional and sophisticated tone. Using alternatives can improve formality.

What is the difference between "during these difficult times" and "during these troubled times"?

While both phrases are similar, "during these difficult times" is a more general expression, while "during these troubled times" often implies a deeper sense of unrest or societal disruption. The choice depends on the specific situation you're describing.