during trying times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "during trying times" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to periods of difficulty or hardship in various contexts, such as personal challenges, economic downturns, or social issues. Example: "Many people find strength and resilience during trying times, as they learn to adapt and overcome obstacles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

As the scandal has unraveled nationally, Ms. Nataloni, 38, has continued to attend church during trying times and on holidays.

The New York Times

He said: "Pete is truly a dedicated Cornellian, and the university has been hugely fortunate in having his leadership during trying times.

Cornell University

He was very dedicated to the company and prided himself on making it to the office during trying times of his treatment.

The New York Times

Peyton, like Edwards, wants his church to be a source of moral clarity and purpose, without overt activism becoming its sole function during trying times.

The New Yorker

Although my parents didn't know the neuroscience behind what they were doing, I'm glad to understand it so that I, too, can help my kids "take in the good"—even, or perhaps especially, during trying times.

University of California, Berkeley

Others came out of the woodwork during trying times this year.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

He inspired confidence, something all of us need, especially during these trying times.

The New York Times

Owner and manager have since reconciled, their bond now far stronger even during these trying times.

The Guardian - Sport

I believe we've been lucky to have Ben Bernanke as Federal Reserve chairman during these trying times.

The New York Times

Yet despite the hardships and distractions of wartime, die-hard club officials and players kept their favorite pastime alive during the trying times of 1861.

The New York Times

"He shares the values and frustrations of the great majority of Americans during these trying times and will stand as a bulwark against the incursions of big government".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "during trying times", ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific nature of the difficulties being faced. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "during trying times" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Over-reliance on the phrase can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, use synonyms like "in difficult times" or "amid adversity" to vary your language and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during trying times" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating the temporal context in which an action or state occurs. Ludwig examples illustrate its role in describing periods of difficulty, hardship, or adversity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

23%

Huffington Post

16%

Less common in

The Guardian

6%

Forbes

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "during trying times" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that specifies a temporal context marked by difficulty or hardship. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile phrase applicable in various situations. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals that it is frequently employed in news, media, and academic writing to provide context, evoke empathy, and emphasize resilience. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, writers should avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "in difficult times" or "amid adversity" to maintain clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in difficult times

Emphasizes the presence of hardship, focusing on the challenging nature of the period.

through tough times

Uses informal language to convey the experience of enduring hardship.

in challenging periods

Highlights the demanding nature of the situation, using a more neutral tone.

in times of trouble

Directly references a period marked by problems or difficulties.

in periods of adversity

Emphasizes the recurring nature of difficult circumstances.

amid adversity

Focuses on the state of facing misfortune or hardship, often implying resilience.

when facing challenges

Highlights the act of confronting and dealing with difficult situations.

through hardship

Implies enduring and overcoming difficult circumstances.

in crisis situations

Specifies events when urgent and critical responses are needed.

under duress

Suggests a situation of being forced to act against one's will due to pressure or threats.

FAQs

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

You can use "during trying times" to describe a period marked by difficulties, such as "The community showed remarkable resilience "during trying times"".

What are some alternatives to "during trying times"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in difficult times", "in challenging periods", or "amid adversity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "during trying times" or "in trying times"?

"During trying times" and "in trying times" are both grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably, although "during trying times" is slightly more common in contemporary usage.

What is the difference between "during trying times" and "during a trying time"?

"During trying times" refers to a period characterized by multiple or ongoing difficulties, while "during a trying time" refers to a specific, singular instance of hardship or challenge.