experiencing a difficult period

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "experiencing a difficult period" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a time of hardship or challenge in someone's life, whether personal, professional, or emotional. Example: "After losing his job, he found himself experiencing a difficult period that tested his resilience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Reeves, 50, has been experiencing a difficult period in his career following disappointing box office returns for directing debut Man of Tai Chi and martial arts fantasy 47 Ronin.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Beginning in December 1794, the French forces on the Rhine experienced a difficult period, marked by General Charles Pichegru's inability to take Mainz.

Wikipedia

The Sunday Times quotes the pair on their experiences during a difficult period.

BBC

A special category of parents included those who had experienced a difficult neonatal period and unknowingly continued to feed their children too often or too much due to lingering concern: Then it could be these children who were very small when they were newborn, and perhaps breastfeeding did not work and later on, they were slow to start eating small portions of real food.

BMC Nursing

"Chelsea will also have a difficult period [in the season].

The Guardian - Sport

We have ended a difficult period in our history".

The Guardian

Burnham believes it is still possible to block the bill which will experience a "very difficult" period in the House of Lords when peers consider the issue of competition.

The Guardian

Emotional resilience examines how easily staff are able to revert back to their normal emotional self after going through a difficult period, such as when experiencing increased stress or failure.

Forbes

Ms. Rehman said that the two countries had experienced "an extraordinarily difficult period" after an American airstrike killed 24 Pakistani soldiers at an outpost near the Afghan border last November, but that they were still staunch allies.

The New York Times

Workers are encountering a difficult period of adjustment such as what they experienced after the Industrial Revolution when living standards actually fell.

Huffington Post

In his speech, he emphasized the sure-handed experience that he said the Bush administration would provide in a difficult period.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "experiencing a difficult period", ensure the context clearly indicates the nature and scope of the difficulty. Providing specific examples or details can enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "experiencing a difficult period" as a vague placeholder. Instead, replace it with more descriptive language that specifies the challenges being faced to enhance the writing's impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "experiencing a difficult period" functions as a verbal phrase, often acting as the predicate of a sentence. It describes a state of being or a process of undergoing hardship. As confirmed by Ludwig, this expression is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "experiencing a difficult period" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to describe a time of hardship or challenge. According to Ludwig, it is considered correct and usable in written English. It's most commonly found in news, media, scientific and encyclopedic sources, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, providing specific context enhances clarity. While it's suitable for describing someone facing adversity, alternatives like "going through a tough time" or "facing challenging circumstances" may be more appropriate in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

going through a tough time

This alternative is more informal and general, suitable for everyday conversation.

having a hard time

This is a simpler and more direct way of expressing difficulty.

facing challenging circumstances

This phrase is slightly more formal and emphasizes the external factors causing difficulty.

enduring a trying phase

This suggests a more prolonged and testing period.

navigating a rough patch

This implies a temporary setback that requires careful handling.

undergoing a period of adversity

This is a more formal and intense way of describing a difficult time.

battling a series of setbacks

Focuses on the active struggle against challenges.

contending with hardship

Emphasizes the struggle and effort required to overcome difficulties.

grappling with adversity

Implies a more intense and personal struggle.

in the midst of a struggle

This emphasizes the current state of difficulty.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "experiencing a difficult period"?

It means they are currently facing challenges, hardships, or adversity in their life, work, or other relevant context.

How can I use "experiencing a difficult period" in a sentence?

You might say, "After the company restructuring, many employees found themselves "experiencing a difficult period" adjusting to the new roles."

What are some alternatives to "experiencing a difficult period"?

Consider using alternatives like "going through a tough time", "facing challenging circumstances", or "having a hard time" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "experiencing a difficult period" or "going through a difficult time"?

"Experiencing a difficult period" is slightly more formal, while "going through a difficult time" is more casual. The best choice depends on the tone and audience of your writing.