fraught time

USAGE SUMMARY

'fraught time' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe a period of time that is difficult, tense, or full of anxiety. For example, "The election was a fraught time for the whole country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But last season he had a particularly fraught time.

Independent

The revelations come at a fraught time in supplier relations.

Independent

It comes at a fraught time for Erdoğan, too.

The Guardian

"There was class resentment in this economically fraught time".

The New York Times

Today's anniversary comes at a fraught time for American spaceflight.

The New Yorker

The first "Sparkle" arrived at a particularly fraught time in black American culture.

The New York Times

They, too, feel like part of the warp of daily existence in a fraught time.

The New York Times

Her arts studies in the early 1990s coincided with a fraught time in Indian history.

The New York Times - Arts

The killings could not have come at a more fraught time, for Sweden and for Europe.

The Washington Post

In this polarized and fraught time, that is asking too much from marginalized students.

The New York Times

This is particularly fraught time to make such a seemingly monumental decision.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fraught time" when you want to emphasize the presence of stress, anxiety, or difficulty within a specific period. It's particularly effective when discussing political, economic, or personal challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "fraught time" in overly casual or trivial situations. The phrase carries a weight of seriousness and is best reserved for situations that genuinely involve significant stress or anxiety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fraught time" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it correctly and effectively describes a period characterized by stress, tension, or difficulty. It often follows verbs such as "be", "come at", or "during".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fraught time" is a noun phrase used to describe a period marked by significant stress, tension, or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially in news, academic, and formal business contexts. While suitable for formal writing, it should be used judiciously in casual settings. Alternatives include "tense period", "difficult period", and "critical juncture", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and appropriateness for conveying serious and challenging situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tense period

Focuses on the tension and stress present during the time.

difficult period

Emphasizes the challenges and hardships experienced.

critical juncture

Highlights the importance and potential consequences of the time.

precarious moment

Underscores the instability and risk associated with the time.

challenging era

Refers to a more extended period marked by significant difficulties.

turbulent times

Stresses the instability and disorder of the time.

testing times

Highlights the trials and difficulties that people face.

crisis period

Focuses on the aspect of a crisis or emergency.

moment of anxiety

Highlights the feeling of worry and unease.

time of upheaval

Emphasizes the disruptive and transformative nature of the time.

FAQs

How can I use "fraught time" in a sentence?

You can use "fraught time" to describe periods filled with tension or difficulty, for example: "The negotiation process was a "fraught time" for both parties."

What are some alternatives to "fraught time"?

Depending on the specific context, you can replace "fraught time" with phrases like "tense period", "difficult period", or "critical juncture".

Is it appropriate to use "fraught time" in formal writing?

Yes, "fraught time" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing serious or challenging situations. It conveys a sense of tension and difficulty in a professional manner.

What makes "fraught time" different from "difficult time"?

"Fraught time" implies a higher degree of anxiety and tension compared to "difficult time". While both describe challenging periods, "fraught time" suggests a more emotionally charged or precarious situation.