going through a rough patch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going through a rough patch" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe when someone is facing a difficult or challenging period in their life, such as when they are struggling financially, emotionally, or mentally. Example: My family has been going through a rough patch lately, so I'm spending extra time with them and helping out however I can.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 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

The boyfriend and I were going through a rough patch.

The Guardian - Travel

Like most pharmaceutical companies, GSK is going through a rough patch.

The Economist

The world economy is going through a rough patch, they say, and Germany is structurally sound.

The Economist

BY ANY measure, the New Orleans Police Department NOPDD) has been going through a rough patch.

The Economist

Currently coached by an Italian, Carlo Ancelotti, Chelsea is going through a rough patch.

The New York Times - Sports

Sometimes a well-meaning adult isn't just going through a rough patch.

The New York Times

"Chris is going through a rough patch," Mr. Obama told The Globe.

The New York Times

"Guinness and advertising, once the closest of couples, are going through a rough patch," she wrote.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "going through a rough patch", consider adding specific details about the situation to provide more context and clarity for the reader. For instance, specify whether it's a financial, emotional, or professional rough patch.

Common error

Avoid using "going through a rough patch" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "experiencing difficulties" or "facing a challenging time" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going through a rough patch" functions as a descriptive idiom. Ludwig's AI confirms its correct usage in English. It depicts a state of temporary difficulty or hardship, applying to individuals, organizations, or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

7%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "going through a rough patch" is a common idiom used to describe a temporary period of difficulty or hardship. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it serves to explain or soften news about challenging situations affecting individuals, organizations, or even economies. While versatile, it is crucial to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives in professional or academic settings, as detailed in the Writing Guidance. For example, using synonyms like "experiencing difficulties" may be preferable in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having a hard time

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

facing a challenging time

This alternative emphasizes the difficulty of the period.

undergoing a difficult phase

This alternative highlights that the situation is temporary.

struggling with problems

This alternative focuses on the act of struggling.

experiencing difficulties

This alternative is a more general term for facing problems.

navigating a tricky situation

This alternative emphasizes the need for careful handling.

enduring a trying period

This alternative suggests resilience in the face of adversity.

contending with adversity

This alternative highlights the challenges being faced.

grappling with hardships

This alternative focuses on actively dealing with difficulties.

in the midst of a crisis

This alternative implies a more severe situation.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "going through a rough patch"?

Saying someone is "going through a rough patch" means they are experiencing a difficult or challenging period in their life, often involving problems or struggles.

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

You can use "going through a rough patch" to describe a temporary difficult situation. For example, "Our company is "facing a challenging time" but we expect things to improve soon."

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

You can use alternatives like "experiencing difficulties", ""facing a challenging time"", or "having a hard time" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "going through a rough patch" in formal writing?

While "going through a rough patch" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more professional alternatives like "experiencing difficulties" or "undergoing a difficult phase".