gloomy time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gloomy time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period that is characterized by sadness, darkness, or a lack of hope. Example: "After the news of the layoffs, it felt like a gloomy time for everyone in the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

She seems to have had a rather gloomy time.

The Economist

"West Moon Street" is the kind of play at which it is virtually impossible to have a gloomy time.

The New York Times

Given this gloomy time, he may well be overly pessimistic — the flip side of being overly optimistic when it seems that markets can only go up.

The New York Times

"This is a gloomy time in our lives, people are fearful and there is a lot of paranoia around," he says.

The Guardian - Money

This makes for a lonely, gloomy time, unless the expat in question is young, single, fluent in English and gregarious.In China a senior executive at a state-owned firm is a big fish.

The Economist

They tended to share the opinion of Ben Wattenberg, who had just left the White House after serving for two and a half years as an aide and speechwriter to President Johnson, and who, a day before the Inauguration, had written, in an article called "Upbeat Auguries Belie the Alarmists," "In all, we have lived through a somewhat gloomy time.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

These are gloomy times in the United States.

The New York Times

For Republicans like Davis, these are gloomy times.

The New York Times - Magazine

In less gloomy times for the economy, being a green motorist seemed much easier.

Independent

In gloomy times for the Italian economy, Berlusconi's government wasted €300m on another ballot immediately after the local elections instead of combining the two.

The Guardian - Opinion

But even in these gloomy times, CSM says G.M. and Ford have identified reasonable paths toward returning to profitability, contrary to assertions by some members of Congress.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gloomy time" to describe periods characterized by a general sense of negativity, sadness, or lack of optimism. Consider the specific nuance you want to convey and choose a synonym if a more precise term is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "gloomy time" when describing negative periods. Vary your vocabulary by using more descriptive alternatives like "dark period" or "bleak moment" to add depth and precision to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gloomy time" functions as a noun phrase where 'gloomy' modifies 'time'. It describes a specific period characterized by negative emotions or circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and offers context-rich examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gloomy time" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to describe periods marked by sadness, negativity, or despair. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, most prominently within news and media. While "gloomy time" is appropriate, consider using more descriptive alternatives like "dark period" or "bleak moment" to enhance the precision and impact of your writing. Remember to avoid overuse and to tailor your vocabulary to suit the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grim time

Emphasizes severity and unpleasantness, suggesting a harsh and difficult experience.

dismal time

Highlights the depressing and hopeless nature of the period.

somber time

Suggests a serious and grave atmosphere, often associated with reflection or mourning.

depressing time

Directly indicates a period that causes feelings of sadness and discouragement.

dark time

Implies a period of hardship, uncertainty, or moral decline.

melancholy time

Focuses on a reflective and pensive sadness, often with a sense of longing.

miserable time

Highlights the unhappiness and suffering experienced during the period.

difficult period

Indicates a challenging and problematic phase, focusing on the obstacles and hardships encountered.

hard times

Refers to a period of economic hardship or general adversity.

bad patch

Indicates a temporary period of difficulty or misfortune.

FAQs

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

You can use "gloomy time" to describe a period marked by sadness or despair. For example, "The recession was a "gloomy time" for many families."

What phrases are similar to "gloomy time"?

Alternatives to "gloomy time" include "grim time", "dismal time", or "dark time", each carrying slightly different connotations of negativity.

Is it correct to say "a gloomy time period"?

While understandable, "a gloomy time period" is slightly redundant. "Gloomy time" already implies a period, so using just ""gloomy time"" is more concise and grammatically sound.

What's the difference between "gloomy time" and "difficult time"?

"Gloomy time" emphasizes the emotional aspect of sadness and despair, while "difficult time" focuses on the challenges and hardships experienced. The choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.