during this difficult period

USAGE SUMMARY

"during this difficult period" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a certain time period that is challenging or difficult. For example: "Our company has experienced a lot of hardship during this difficult period, but we are determined to pull through."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

"Please accept my heartfelt thoughts and prayers for you and your loved ones," Kubiak wrote, "during this difficult period of your life".

The New York Times - Magazine

Norman's courage was infinite and his tremendous endurance during this difficult period amazed everyone.

The New York Times

My Mum and I became like best friends during this difficult period.

The Guardian - Sport

I now ask that you honor my privacy during this difficult period.

The New York Times

He asks who I turned to for help during this difficult period.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family during this difficult period.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

"The Supplier Support Program will help stabilize a critical component of the American auto industry during the difficult period that lies ahead," he said.

The New York Times

"The family have asked for respect to their privacy during this very difficult period".

BBC

Nixson said: "I'm incredibly grateful to Barry Fitzpatrick and Roy Mincoff of the National Union of Journalists, and all their colleagues, for backing me unstintingly during this very difficult period.

The Guardian

"I urge all of you to remain calm, united and peaceful during this very difficult period," Mr Msiska added.

BBC

"We really want to provide our customers with certainty during this particularly difficult period for the rail industry.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "during this difficult period", be specific about the period you are referring to. This provides clarity and context for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "during this difficult period" without specifying what makes the period difficult. Add details about the challenges or circumstances to provide better understanding and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during this difficult period" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the time frame in which an action or state occurs. It sets a temporal context characterized by hardship or challenge, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "during this difficult period" is a versatile phrase used to provide temporal context to challenging situations. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for a variety of contexts, from news reporting to business communications. It's important to be specific about what makes the period difficult to enhance clarity. While alternatives exist, such as "in these trying times" or "amidst this challenging phase", the phrase remains a common and effective way to communicate empathy and provide understanding during times of hardship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during this period of adversity

Highlights the state of facing challenges and misfortune.

in these trying times

Emphasizes the challenging nature of the current circumstances.

amidst this challenging phase

Highlights the developmental stage and its inherent difficulties.

through this rough patch

Suggests a temporary setback or period of hardship.

in these uncertain times

Emphasizes the lack of predictability and stability.

in the face of adversity

Focuses on confronting challenging situations with courage.

while navigating these hardships

Highlights the active process of dealing with difficulties.

through this time of crisis

Indicates a critical and unstable situation.

through this ordeal

Implies a painful or horrific experience.

amidst this struggle

Focuses on the effort and conflict involved in overcoming obstacles.

FAQs

How can I use "during this difficult period" in a sentence?

You can use "during this difficult period" to refer to a specific time that is challenging. For example: "The company has faced many challenges "during this difficult period", but remains resilient."

What are some alternatives to saying "during this difficult period"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in these trying times", "amidst this challenging phase", or "through this rough patch" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "during this difficult period" or "during this difficult time"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to convey. They are largely interchangeable.

What kind of situations is the phrase "during this difficult period" suitable for?

It's suitable for describing any situation characterized by hardship, challenge, or crisis, whether it's economic downturns, personal struggles, or organizational changes. It indicates a span of time marked by adversity.