getting a rough time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting a rough time" is not standard in written English and may be confusing.
It can be used informally to describe someone experiencing difficulties or challenges. Example: "After the project deadline was moved up, she felt like she was getting a rough time from her manager."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Rather surprisingly, drummer Neal Peart emerges from the film as a kind of Morrissey for the Dungeons and Dragons set: aloof, mysterious, considered a poet by his fans and a rightwing crank by his detractors (he's famously a fan of the conservative's novelist of choice, Ayn Rand), he is given to writing songs about misfits getting a rough time from the cool kids in school.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In its most recent games, Nebraska got a rough time from Kansas State, while Colorado beat a good Iowa State team.

The New York Times - Sports

Heaven forbid those tax avoiders get a rough time in the media.

Vice

Lewis said his support of Roethlisberger was not about taking sides, but, rather, helping a fellow human get through a rough time and possibly find salvation through introspection.

The New York Times - Sports

On the texture of Scottish nationalism, he said he had been struck by what happened when Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Independence party, "got such a rough time" on a recent visit, "particularly since it was hardcore nationalists who were accusing him of raging nationalist sentiment".

The Guardian

Also, inspiring people and helping them get through a rough time.

Huffington Post

Anticipating that they might have a rough time getting 60 votes in the Senate, the White House pressed Harry Reid to include student loan reform under the 2009 reconciliation instructions, just as they did health care reform.

Huffington Post

And if that doesn't work, tell her that you'll have a rough time getting through life and you don't need her in your life.

WikiHow

We got 45 people, and we had a rough time trying to get it down to two hours.

The Guardian

Politics has had a rough time getting a date on campus for the past few decades.

The New York Times

"It had a rough time getting into the classic men's stuff," said Gray Maycumber, senior editor for textiles and fabrics at DNR. "Retailers thought it cheapened the clothing".

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common and readily understood alternatives such as "having a difficult time" or "going through a hard time" to ensure clarity in your writing.

Common error

While "getting a rough time" isn't grammatically incorrect, it leans towards informality. In professional or academic contexts, opt for more formal phrases like "experiencing difficulties" or "facing challenges".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting a rough time" functions as part of a verb phrase, indicating that someone is the recipient of negative experiences or difficulties. Although Ludwig AI indicates that it is acceptable, its use is informal.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "getting a rough time" is used to describe the experience of facing challenges or difficulties. While Ludwig AI marks it as acceptable, it is more informal and less common than alternatives like "having a difficult time" or "going through a hard time". The phrase appears primarily in News & Media and Wiki contexts, indicating its informal register. In professional or academic writing, opting for more formal alternatives is advisable. The phrase's grammatical function is as part of a verb phrase indicating a state of hardship. Therefore, while understandable, consider the context and audience when choosing to use "getting a rough time".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having a difficult time

This is a more common and direct way of expressing that someone is experiencing problems.

going through a hard time

This phrase suggests a period of hardship or adversity.

having a tough time

Similar to "having a difficult time", but slightly more informal.

experiencing difficulties

A more formal and general way to describe challenging situations.

facing challenges

Focuses on the act of confronting obstacles rather than the experience of suffering.

enduring hardship

Implies a prolonged and significant period of suffering.

struggling with problems

Highlights the effort and difficulty involved in overcoming issues.

undergoing trials and tribulations

A more dramatic and literary way to describe a difficult period.

battling adversity

Emphasizes the active fight against unfavorable circumstances.

in a bind

This idiom means being in a difficult situation or predicament.

FAQs

What does "getting a rough time" mean?

The phrase "getting a rough time" means experiencing difficulties, challenges, or mistreatment. It suggests that someone is facing a period of hardship or is being treated unfairly.

What can I say instead of "getting a rough time"?

You can use alternatives like "having a difficult time", "going through a hard time", or "experiencing difficulties" depending on the context.

Is "getting a rough time" grammatically correct?

While not technically incorrect, "getting a rough time" is considered informal and less common. More formal options are usually preferred in professional or academic writing.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "getting a rough time"?

The phrase "getting a rough time" is best suited for informal conversations or casual writing. Avoid using it in formal reports, academic papers, or business communications, where more precise and professional language is expected.