go through a rough patch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'go through a rough patch' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a difficult period in one's life, typically a period of emotional stress or financial difficulty. For example: "The couple had been happily married for years, but recently they had been going through a rough patch in their relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

If Milan go through a rough patch of results, Adriano Galliani, the club's charismatic vice-president, quickly jumps to the head coach's defence.

The Guardian - Sport

But for these people, they're going to go through a rough patch where all this information shows up and they can't quite figure out what to do".

The Guardian - Tech

"Everybody was talking about this phase in Indian cricket when the big players will go out, and the pressure will fall on the youngsters and we will go through a rough patch.

Independent

"I don't believe in a takeover of Carrefour," says Jérôme Samuel, a retail analyst at IXIS Securities in Paris.As hypermarkets in Europe and America go through a rough patch, the biggest are the most exposed.

The Economist

ANY lingering hopes that South Africa might escape relatively unscathed from the global economic storms were dashed on February 5th when Tito Mboweni, governor of the central bank, predicted that Africa's biggest economy would go through "a rough patch for the next three to four years".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Steven Ballmer is going through a rough patch.

The New York Times

"Pakistan is going through a rough patch.

The Guardian

I was going through a rough patch at work.

The New Yorker

After Tyree found God, they went through a rough patch.

The New York Times - Sports

The boyfriend and I were going through a rough patch.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "go through a rough patch", ensure the context clearly indicates what is experiencing the difficulty – a relationship, a business, a person's life, etc. This helps avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "go through a rough patch" repeatedly within the same piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "encounter difficulties" or "face hard times" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go through a rough patch" functions as an idiomatic expression used as a verb phrase. It describes the experience of encountering difficulties or hardships in a specific situation or period. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Sport

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "go through a rough patch" is a commonly used and grammatically correct idiomatic expression that describes experiencing a period of difficulty or hardship. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, it is also relevant in sports and business contexts. While versatile, it's best to ensure that the subject experiencing the rough patch is clear. Consider varying your language with alternatives like "encounter difficulties" or "face hard times" to avoid repetition. Remember to maintain clarity and context when using this phrase to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experience a difficult period

Focuses on the experience of difficulty, less idiomatic.

face hard times

Emphasizes the hardship involved.

encounter adversity

More formal and highlights the presence of opposition.

struggle through a phase

Implies effort and persistence during a challenging time.

endure a trying ordeal

Stronger emphasis on suffering and the severity of the experience.

navigate a challenging situation

Focuses on the active management of a difficult situation.

hit a snag

More informal, suggesting a minor problem.

be in troubled waters

Uses a metaphorical image to describe the difficulty.

have a setback

Highlights a reversal of progress.

meet with misfortune

More formal and emphasizes bad luck or unfavorable circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "go through a rough patch" in a sentence?

You can use "go through a rough patch" to describe a period of difficulty in various contexts. For example, "The company is currently "going through a rough patch" due to the economic downturn", or "They're "going through a rough patch" in their relationship but are working to resolve their issues".

What are some alternatives to "go through a rough patch"?

Some alternatives include "experience a difficult period", "face hard times", or "encounter adversity". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "gone through a rough patch"?

Yes, "gone through a rough patch" is grammatically correct. It's the past participle form, often used with auxiliary verbs like "have" or "has" to indicate a completed action. For instance, "They have "gone through a rough patch" but are now doing much better".

What's the difference between "going through a rough patch" and "had a setback"?

"Going through a rough patch" suggests a period of ongoing difficulties, while "had a setback" implies a specific, often temporary, reversal of progress. A "rough patch" can encompass multiple setbacks or ongoing challenges.