going through a hard time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going through a hard time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone experiencing difficulties or challenges in their life, whether emotionally, financially, or otherwise. Example: "After losing his job, he has been going through a hard time, struggling to make ends meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is going through a hard time.

The Telegraph

I was going through a hard time.

The Guardian

Spain's Costas have been going through a hard time lately.

The Guardian - Travel

She was going through a hard time then no one on our street liked her.

Yale University

Whether it's helping someone who's going through a hard time, or understanding.

University of California, Berkeley

We know they are going through a hard time," he said.

Independent

Jimin didn't know it, but Yundi was going through a hard time.

The New Yorker

I think my examiner was going through a hard time in his life.

The New York Times

"I read the Talmud every time I am going through a hard time," he told reporters.

The New Yorker

He's one of those guys that you look to when you're going through a hard time".

The New York Times - Sports

"Look," God said, "I know we're going through a hard time right now.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering support to someone "going through a hard time", be specific and practical. Instead of saying "Let me know if you need anything", offer to help with concrete tasks like running errands or providing a meal.

Common error

Avoid assuming you know what someone "going through a hard time" needs. Everyone copes differently; some may want space, while others need connection. Ask directly what would be most helpful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going through a hard time" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger sentence to describe a state of difficulty or adversity. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it often follows a subject pronoun or noun, indicating who is experiencing the difficult period.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "going through a hard time" is a common and generally accepted way to describe someone experiencing difficulties. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct, and its usage spans various contexts, particularly news, academic writing, and informal communication. While there are more formal alternatives like "undergoing hardship", this phrase effectively conveys empathy and understanding. When using this phrase, be mindful of the individual's needs and offer specific support rather than making assumptions about what they require.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having a tough time

Uses "tough" instead of "hard", indicating a difficult but perhaps surmountable situation.

struggling

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty in overcoming obstacles.

experiencing difficulties

Focuses on the act of experiencing problems, less emphatic about the severity.

facing challenges

Highlights the confrontational aspect of dealing with difficulties.

in a crisis

Implies a more severe and urgent situation than simply a "hard time".

battling adversity

Highlights the active fight against difficult circumstances.

undergoing hardship

A more formal way of saying "going through a hard time", indicating suffering.

enduring adversity

Stresses the prolonged nature of the difficult period.

facing a setback

Indicates a temporary obstacle rather than a prolonged period of difficulty.

in dire straits

Suggests a situation of extreme difficulty and need.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "going through a hard time"?

Saying someone is "going through a hard time" means they are experiencing a period of difficulty, challenge, or suffering in their life. This could be due to various factors like personal loss, financial strain, or health issues.

What are some alternative phrases for "going through a hard time"?

Some alternatives include "experiencing difficulties", "facing challenges", or "having a tough time", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I help someone who is "going through a hard time"?

Offer practical support, listen empathetically without judgment, and respect their need for space if they express it. Small gestures of kindness can make a big difference.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "going through a hard time" in formal writing?

While acceptable, it might be better to use more formal alternatives like "undergoing hardship" or "enduring adversity" in academic or professional contexts to maintain a more serious tone.