horrible time

USAGE SUMMARY

"horrible time" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe a difficult, unpleasant, or disturbing period of time. For example: - The refugee family had a horrible time escaping the war-torn country. - Jane went through a horrible time when she lost her job and her apartment in the same week. - The residents of the town had a horrible time dealing with the aftermath of the natural disaster. - I had a horrible time trying to understand the complicated instructions for assembling the furniture. - The children had a horrible time on the rollercoaster ride because it was too fast and scary for them.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a horrible time.

Independent

It was a horrible time, and haunting.

The New York Times

She's having a horrible time in there.

The New York Times

"It was a horrible time," he said.

The New York Times

Higgins adds: "It's been a horrible time".

The Guardian - Sport

By all accounts, Johnson had a horrible time.

Independent

"It was quite a horrible time," Debbie said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was really depressing, a horrible time, to be honest.

The Guardian - Sport

She had a horrible time there, and so did we.

The Guardian - Travel

It was a horrible time for my family.

The New York Times

It was a horrible time, a terrifying time.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "horrible time", provide specific details to convey the intensity of the experience. For instance, instead of just saying "I had a horrible time at the party", elaborate with "I had a horrible time at the party; the music was too loud, the food was stale, and I didn't know anyone there."

Common error

While "horrible time" is acceptable, it can sound informal. In professional or academic writing, consider more precise and nuanced alternatives like "difficult period", "challenging phase", or "unpleasant experience" to convey the same sentiment with greater sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "horrible time" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., "had a horrible time") or following a preposition. Ludwig provides numerous examples where the phrase is used to describe an unpleasant experience or period.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "horrible time" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an unpleasant experience or period. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase to convey negative feelings. While its register is generally neutral, leaning towards informal, writers should consider more formal alternatives for academic or professional contexts. Usage is predominantly found in news and media sources. By providing specific details, writers can enhance the impact of their descriptions, while avoiding overuse in formal writing will improve clarity and sophistication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terrible experience

Focuses more on the subjective feeling and nature of the event.

awful period

Highlights the duration and unpleasantness.

difficult phase

Emphasizes the challenging aspect of the situation.

rough patch

Suggests a temporary period of difficulty.

trying moment

Focuses on the emotional strain of a specific point in time.

challenging situation

Highlights the problematic nature of the circumstances.

unpleasant experience

Emphasizes the lack of enjoyment and comfort.

tough ordeal

Suggests a painful or difficult experience that is hard to endure.

bad spell

Implies a limited duration of unfavorable conditions.

unhappy chapter

Refers to a specific part of life characterized by sadness.

FAQs

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

You can use "horrible time" to describe an unpleasant or difficult period. For example: "She had a "horrible time" dealing with the loss of her job" or "They went through a "horrible time" during the recession".

What phrases are similar to "horrible time"?

Similar phrases include "terrible experience", "awful period", "difficult phase", or "rough patch". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "horrible time" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "horrible time" might sound too informal for academic or professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "challenging period" or "difficult situation" for greater sophistication.

Can "horrible time" be used to describe a specific event, or only a period?

"Horrible time" can refer to both a specific event (e.g., "I had a "horrible time" at the dentist") and a more extended period (e.g., "She had a "horrible time" during the pandemic").