harsh period

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "harsh period" is not technically incorrect and could be used in written English, although it is an informal way of expressing something.
For example, you could say, "I experienced some hardships during my teenage years, it was a harsh period".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A description of the terrible struggle to remain completely alive in a harsh period.

The New Yorker

Both merited praise for ending a brutal campaign and a harsh period of litigation on a civil note.

The New York Times

You went through a harsh period where you felt exhausted and ill, but then you were OK.

The Guardian - Opinion

"What we must avoid are attempts to shield Europe's companies from competition, in particular during this harsh period for the economy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Monitor conditions after harsh periods of weather.

WikiHow

Analysts say it appears to signal a new, harsher period that will leave little room for the activities of the opposition.

The New York Times

"We may well see a harsher period of rule in the coming couple of years as the party tries to manage these new challenges".

The New York Times

Alton says, "This is the harshest month in the harshest year of the harshest period I have ever known for newspapers in the harshest economic climate for 80 years.

The Guardian

The military rulers of Myanmar continued a crackdown today that analysts said appeared to signal a new, harsher period that would leave little room for the activities of the democratic opposition.

The New York Times

With the onset of the "lean season" – the next three months will be the driest and harshest period of the year – aid groups warn that the worst is yet to come.

The Guardian

Clyde Snow, an internationally-recognized forensics expert who helped start the Guatemalan team, said their work was getting close to former military officers, including Efraín Ríos Montt, a former general and junta leader during the war's harshest period who is now president of the Congress.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "harsh period", provide specific details about the challenges and difficulties experienced to give your reader a clearer understanding of the situation. For instance, instead of just saying "The war was a harsh period", elaborate on the specific hardships faced, such as food shortages or increased violence.

Common error

While "harsh period" is acceptable, be mindful of your audience. In formal or academic writing, consider using more precise or sophisticated language like "challenging era" or "difficult phase" to convey the same meaning with greater nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harsh period" functions as a noun phrase, where "harsh" modifies the noun "period". It describes a specific duration marked by unpleasant or difficult circumstances. Ludwig AI indicates that it's acceptable but not very common.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "harsh period" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a difficult or unpleasant time. While acceptable, Ludwig suggests it is not the most common choice. Its register is generally neutral, suitable for news reporting, general descriptions, and even scientific contexts. For more formal writing, consider alternatives such as "difficult time" or "challenging phase". Remember to provide specific details when using the phrase to give your reader a clear understanding of the hardships involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult time

Replaces "harsh" with "difficult", emphasizing the challenging nature of the period.

tough time

Uses "tough" instead of "harsh", suggesting a period of resilience and endurance is required.

trying period

Substitutes "harsh" with "trying", highlighting the testing or challenging aspects of the period.

challenging phase

Highlights the demanding or testing nature of the period.

adverse period

Uses "adverse" to underscore unfavorable or detrimental conditions during the period.

unpleasant phase

Replaces both words, focusing on the disagreeable nature of the time.

time of adversity

Emphasizes the presence of hardship, suffering, or misfortune during the period.

grim chapter

Employing a more figurative term, signifies a particularly bleak or somber episode.

turbulent era

Implies a period marked by instability, unrest, or disturbance.

testing moment

Shifts the focus to a particular point in time that serves as a critical test.

FAQs

What does "harsh period" mean?

A "harsh period" refers to a time characterized by significant difficulties, suffering, or unpleasant conditions. It implies a challenging or adverse experience.

What can I say instead of "harsh period"?

You can use alternatives like "difficult time", "tough time", or "challenging phase" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "harsh period"?

Yes, "harsh period" is grammatically correct and understandable. However, consider the tone and formality of your writing. In more formal contexts, a phrase like "challenging era" might be more appropriate.

When is it appropriate to use the term "harsh period"?

The term "harsh period" is suitable for describing times of economic hardship, personal struggles, or difficult historical events. For instance, you might describe the Great Depression as a "harsh period" in American history.