in these difficult times

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "In these difficult times" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase in expressing general sentiments of empathy and understanding for a challenging or difficult period of time. For example, "In these difficult times, we are ever grateful to everyone who has been bravely helping others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It has become a cliché these days to hear sayings like "in this economic climate," or "in these difficult times".

Huffington Post

In these difficult times, that is multiplied.

The New York Times

"In these difficult times, aren't we lucky?" Mr. Silver said.

The New York Times

In these difficult times, books are a great help.

The New Yorker

In these difficult times, councils need to find savings.

The Guardian

In these difficult times that evidently counts for a lot.

The Economist

And in these difficult times, the visionary possibilities of the systems novel can be comforting.

The Guardian - Books

I wish them a lot of courage in these difficult times.

The Guardian

I recognise, of course, in these difficult times, how people will feel about this".

The Guardian

"It isn't easy to be defending a Labour seat in these difficult times," she says.

The Guardian

In these difficult times, leadership — and sacrifice — must start at the top.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase “in these difficult times” to introduce statements of support, understanding, or resilience when addressing a group facing adversity. This can set a tone of empathy and shared experience.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on “in these difficult times” as an opening statement. While effective, overuse can make your communication sound insincere or unoriginal. Try to vary your phrasing to maintain authenticity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase “in these difficult times” functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause by providing context about the circumstances. It typically introduces a statement of action, advice, or empathy, as exemplified by Ludwig: “In these difficult times, leadership — and sacrifice — must start at the top.”

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “in these difficult times” is a commonly used expression to acknowledge periods of hardship and introduce related actions or sentiments. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Appearing most frequently in news and media, the phrase serves to establish empathy and contextualize subsequent statements. While effective, it's important to avoid overuse to maintain sincerity. Alternatives such as "in these tough times" or "in these challenging times" can offer variety while conveying a similar message. Use this phrase to set a tone of shared understanding, but be mindful of potential cliché.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in these tough times

Replaces 'difficult' with 'tough', suggesting resilience is needed.

in these challenging times

Substitutes 'difficult' with 'challenging', framing the period as an opportunity for growth.

in these trying times

Uses 'trying' instead of 'difficult', emphasizing the test of endurance.

during this period of hardship

More explicitly states the existence of hardship.

in the current climate

Focuses on the prevailing circumstances instead of inherent difficulty.

facing these adversities

Emphasizes the act of confronting challenges.

amidst these struggles

Highlights ongoing effort and conflict.

given the present circumstances

More formal and emphasizes context.

under the current conditions

Similar to 'circumstances' but emphasizes restrictions.

in light of recent events

Highlights the influence of specific events on the current situation.

FAQs

How can I use “in these difficult times” in a sentence?

Use "in these difficult times" to acknowledge challenges and introduce a related action or sentiment. For example, "In these difficult times, community support is more crucial than ever."

What are some alternatives to “in these difficult times”?

You can use alternatives such as "in these tough times", "in these challenging times", or "amidst these struggles" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase “in these difficult times”?

It's appropriate to use "in these difficult times" when addressing hardships caused by specific events, such as economic downturns or crises. The phrase sets a tone of empathy and shared understanding.

Is “in this difficult time” different from “in these difficult times”?

Yes, “in this difficult time” refers to a specific, singular event or situation, while "in these difficult times" is used for broader, ongoing periods of hardship. Choose the phrase that best matches the scope of the situation you're describing.