getting through a rough patch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting through a rough patch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a difficult or challenging period in someone's life or situation that they are trying to overcome. Example: "After months of struggles, I finally feel like I'm getting through a rough patch and things are starting to improve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If both of you agree to this, and are genuinely committed to it, it can be a very helpful way of getting through a rough patch and eliminating negativity.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The thought of something wonderful to eat might help you get through a rough patch.

Los Angeles Times

However, sometimes it does make sense to try very hard for a period of time to get through a rough patch and move on.

HuffPost

And I'm reasonably sure that we haven't ruined his ability to sleep independently by letting him nap on us for a few days to get through a rough patch.

HuffPost

As with all genre fiction, horror writers work too much and too fast, too often rely on serviceable but weary conventions to get themselves through a rough patch of plot and are generally rather too quick to sacrifice aesthetic unity to speed and raw shock.

The New York Times - Books

Perhaps she'll be forthright about what's bothering her and you can help her with it or perhaps you'll decide you need parental guidance to get her through a rough patch.

HuffPost

We knew going in that we were going to go through a "rough patch" before it got easier.

Huffington Post

"We did go through a rough patch" after the acquisition, Mr. Dolan said.

The New York Times

Whether Ladies Lunchh was the Algonquin round table we envisioned, or just five men born too late and spinning their wheels, we got each other through a rough patch and learned how to make a damn good beet salad.

HuffPost

This can make sense if you just need to get caught up on back payments or get through a temporary rough patch.

Forbes

Is your marriage going to make it through a rough patch?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting through a rough patch" to describe a temporary period of difficulty or hardship that someone is actively overcoming. It implies progress and eventual improvement.

Common error

Avoid using "getting through a rough patch" to describe minor inconveniences or temporary setbacks. The phrase is most effective when describing significant challenges or periods of adversity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting through a rough patch" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase. It describes the act of successfully navigating a challenging period. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "getting through a rough patch" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that describes the process of overcoming a difficult period. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, and everyday conversations. While generally neutral in tone, it leans towards informal, suggesting resilience and progress. Related phrases include "overcoming adversity" and "weathering the storm". Remember that this phrase is more effective when describing significant challenges rather than trivial setbacks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making it through a tough time

This is a more informal way of expressing the same idea.

coming out on the other side

Implies a journey through a difficult experience with a positive resolution.

overcoming adversity

This phrase is more general and refers to overcoming any kind of challenge or difficulty.

weathering the storm

This idiom uses a metaphor to describe enduring a difficult period.

rising above challenges

Emphasizes the positive outcome of overcoming difficulties.

navigating a difficult period

This suggests a more active and strategic approach to managing challenges.

turning a corner

Suggests a positive change in a previously negative situation.

surviving a crisis

Implies a more severe and potentially life-threatening situation.

experiencing recovery

Implies a return to a healthier, more positive state after a period of difficulty.

enduring hardship

Focuses on the act of bearing pain and suffering.

FAQs

What does "getting through a rough patch" mean?

It means to successfully navigate and overcome a difficult period or challenging situation in one's life, career, or relationships.

What can I say instead of "getting through a rough patch"?

You can use alternatives like "overcoming adversity", "weathering the storm", or "making it through a tough time" depending on the context.

How do you use "getting through a rough patch" in a sentence?

Example: "After months of financial strain, the company is finally "getting through a rough patch" and seeing improvements in revenue."

Is "getting through a rough patch" formal or informal?

It's generally considered to be neutral to informal, suitable for everyday conversation and writing. More formal alternatives might include "overcoming challenges" or "navigating a difficult period".