during this difficult time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "during this difficult time" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
This phrase is often used to refer to an ongoing challenge that is being faced. For example, you might write: "We appreciate your hard work during this difficult time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She extended her sympathies to Natalie's family "during this difficult time".

The Guardian

Our thoughts and prayers are with Jane's family during this difficult time.

The New York Times

"We all extend our deepest condolences to Tom's family and friends during this difficult time".

The Guardian

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family during this difficult time.

The New York Times

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

The New York Times

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.

The New York Times

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.

The New York Times

Our thoughts and prayers are with Eric and family during this difficult time.

The New York Times

May memories of Linda serve as a comfort to Dan during this difficult time.

The New York Times

Our condolences go to his wife Missy and his children during this difficult time.

The New York Times

We hope your wonderful memories of Carol will sustain you during this difficult time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering condolences, follow "during this difficult time" with specific, supportive actions or sentiments instead of generic phrases. For instance, offer practical help or share positive memories to provide genuine comfort.

Common error

While "during this difficult time" is widely accepted, avoid using it repeatedly in formal communications. Vary your language with phrases like "in these trying times" or "through this challenging period" to maintain a professional tone and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during this difficult time" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the temporal context of an action or state. It is used to frame events or feelings within a period marked by challenges. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

HuffPost

12%

TechCrunch

3%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "during this difficult time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to convey empathy, support, or acknowledgement of challenges, according to Ludwig. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, including news, media, and personal communications. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility. For more formal settings, alternatives like "in these trying times" or "amidst these hardships" can add nuance. Remember to follow up with specific, supportive actions rather than relying solely on the phrase to offer genuine comfort. While overusing this phrase is considered as an error, varying your language will ensure a more engaging and impactful message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during these unprecedented times

Highlights the uniqueness and unfamiliarity of the challenging period.

in these trying times

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

through this challenging period

Substitutes "time" with "period", providing a slightly more formal tone and uses "challenging" instead of "difficult".

through this period of adversity

Uses "adversity" to underscore the unfavorable conditions.

amidst these hardships

Replaces the entire phrase with a more emphatic expression of adversity.

in this moment of crisis

Replaces "difficult time" with a more urgent and critical term.

under the current circumstances

Focuses on the present situation, implying the difficulties without explicitly stating them.

in light of recent events

Highlights the impact of recent occurrences, suggesting the ensuing difficulties.

while facing these obstacles

Highlights the impediments and barriers encountered during the specified period.

as we navigate these complexities

Emphasizes the intricate and potentially overwhelming nature of the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "during this difficult time" to express support, sympathy, or resilience. For example, "We appreciate your hard work "during this difficult time"" or "Our thoughts are with you "during this difficult time"".

What can I say instead of "during this difficult time"?

You can use alternatives like "in these trying times", "through this challenging period", or "amidst these hardships" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "during this difficult time" in a formal context?

Yes, it's generally acceptable. However, for very formal settings, consider alternatives like "under the current circumstances" or "in light of recent events" for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "during this difficult time" and "during these unprecedented times"?

"During this difficult time" refers to any challenging period, while "during these unprecedented times" specifically highlights a period that is unique and without historical parallel. The latter is used to emphasize the novelty and unfamiliarity of the challenges.