frightful time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "frightful time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period that is extremely unpleasant or distressing. Example: "During the storm, we had a frightful time trying to find shelter and stay safe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This is our America in a most frightful time.

The New York Times

The Radio Times had printed an old diary, dating from the frightful time Nigel fell off the roof.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Long-time Liverpool secretary Peter Robinson described having a "frightful time" trying to persuade Paisley to take over the managerial reins following the departure of predecessor Bill Shankly, who had claimed three league titles, two FA Cups and two Uefa Cups over 15 seasons after taking over in 1959.

BBC

She also said it was a "frightful time" with Trump's victory.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Damien Hirst's diamond-encrusted skull from two years ago now looks like the perfect artefact to draw the line between the excess of the recent past and the frightful times coming our way.

The Guardian

I look frightful at times.

Huffington Post

His exquisite images of bunny guts, darting snakes, transparent dresses, flapping bird shadows, squirming infants, human skulls, dead swans, rotting mushrooms and tunnels of light suggest that he spends a frightful amount of time thinking about birth and death, fecundity and rot.

The New York Times - Arts

What a frightful and grim time it was during this period in Innsbruck and Hall, one can imagine from v. Rost's description.

Geoscience Letters

Salazar offers frightful and at times unbearable clarity.

The Guardian

America today is a world away from the cruel and frightful bigotry of that time.

HuffPost

Serjeant Musgrave's Dance (1959), "another frightful ordeal," wrote Sunday Times critic Harold Hobson, did even worse (21% houses).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "frightful time" to convey a sense of intense unpleasantness or distress, especially when emphasizing the emotional impact of a situation. This phrase adds a touch of formality and gravity compared to simpler alternatives.

Common error

Avoid using "frightful time" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "terrible time" or "awful time" are more appropriate for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frightful time" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "frightful" modifies the noun "time". Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and describes a period characterized by extreme unpleasantness or distress.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "frightful time" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a period marked by intense unpleasantness or distress. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is valid and acceptable in English writing. While less common than alternatives like "terrible time" or "awful time", it carries a stronger emphasis on the emotional impact of the experience. Primarily found in news and media contexts, its formal register makes it suitable for descriptive or reflective writing. When considering alternative expressions, "terrible time", "dreadful time", and "horrific time" offer varying degrees of intensity and formality to suit the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terrible time

Replaces "frightful" with a more common synonym, reducing the intensity slightly.

dreadful time

Similar to "terrible time" but retains a sense of gravity and unease.

horrific time

Emphasizes the shocking or disturbing aspect of the experience.

awful time

A more informal and general way to express a bad experience.

unpleasant experience

A more formal and detached way to describe a negative time.

difficult period

Focuses on the challenging aspect of the time rather than the emotional impact.

trying circumstances

Highlights the challenging conditions that made the time difficult.

challenging phase

Neutral and detached way to describe time.

grim experience

Similar to dreadful, with a more sinister feeling.

horrendous period

A more emphatic phrase, emphasizing the severe negative aspects of the time.

FAQs

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

"Frightful time" is used to describe an intensely unpleasant or distressing period. Example: "During the relocation, we had a "frightful time" trying to adjust to the new environment".

What's a less formal alternative to "frightful time"?

Less formal alternatives include "terrible time", "awful time", or "bad time", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "frightful time"?

Use "frightful time" when you want to emphasize the severity and unpleasantness of a situation or period. It's suitable for formal writing or when discussing significant hardships.

Is "frightful time" interchangeable with "difficult time"?

While both phrases describe a challenging period, "frightful time" emphasizes the emotional distress and unpleasantness, whereas "difficult time" focuses more on the challenges and obstacles faced.