in times of difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in times of difficulty" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate when a person is experiencing difficulty in some aspect of their life. For example: "In times of difficulty, I know I can always rely on my family for support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Generally students felt positive about their prospects for getting a job after school Friends were most frequently identified by students as people that they could turn to in times of difficulty.

Unicef

In times of difficulty you showed us the way forward to happiness and success.

The Guardian

"In times of difficulty, in times of hardship, friends stand together," Mr Sarkozy assured America's legislators.

The Economist

The reunification of the sculptures would be a huge shot in the arm for a nation that in times of difficulty has always stood by Britain.

The Guardian - Arts

Robert and Jonathan, another couple I know, stay sane in times of difficulty by walling themselves off; they got out of D.C. and headed to the beach.

The New York Times - Magazine

We are going to think about it in times of difficulty, whether you feel sorry for yourself, or whether you just acknowledge it".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

who have you turned to in times of difficulties with your study?

BMC Medical Education

In the end all that will matter is the love we shared even in times of difficulties and even if it was for a short period of time.

WikiHow

"That's why the top end grows in time of difficulty.

Forbes

Protect each other in times of trouble and difficulties.

WikiHow

Overall, results are counter-intuitive since one would expect that without significant social support to aid in time of difficulties, a person might be more likely to seek medical help, increasing the chances of receiving a drug prescription.

BMC Nursing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in times of difficulty", consider the audience and context. While suitable for general communication, more specific phrases might be appropriate in formal or technical writing.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "in times of difficulty" in professional or academic writing. Opt for more precise language that reflects the specific nature of the challenge being addressed. For instance, use "during periods of economic downturn" instead of "in times of difficulty" when referring to financial challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in times of difficulty" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by indicating the circumstances or period when something occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in diverse sentences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in times of difficulty" serves as a prepositional phrase that commonly introduces circumstances marked by hardship or adversity. Ludwig AI validates its usage in varied contexts, showing its general acceptability. While versatile, its neutral tone suggests that more specific language may be beneficial in formal settings. The phrase is most frequently found in "News & Media", "Formal & Business", and Wiki sources. To enhance writing, consider using synonyms like "during challenging periods" for broader appeal or "when facing adversity" for a focus on confrontation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during tough times

A simple and direct alternative.

during challenging periods

Replaces 'times of difficulty' with a more general reference to challenging periods.

in adverse circumstances

Highlights the unfavorable conditions surrounding the situation.

when facing adversity

Focuses on the act of confronting adverse situations.

in periods of struggle

Focuses on the ongoing effort and challenge involved.

amidst hardship

Uses a more concise and literary expression for challenging situations.

when life is hard

Emphasizes the general difficulty of life circumstances.

in moments of crisis

Emphasizes the critical or urgent nature of the difficult situation.

under duress

Highlights the pressure and stress associated with the difficult situation.

when things get tough

A more informal and colloquial way to describe challenging times.

FAQs

What does "in times of difficulty" mean?

The phrase "in times of difficulty" refers to periods or situations characterized by hardship, challenges, or adversity. It generally implies a state where one faces significant obstacles or problems.

How can I use "in times of difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "in times of difficulty" to describe when support, resilience, or specific actions become particularly important. For example, "Friends are most frequently identified by students as people that they could turn to in times of difficulty.

What are some alternatives to "in times of difficulty"?

Alternatives include phrases like "during challenging periods", "when facing adversity", or "amidst hardship", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "in times of difficulty" formal or informal?

"In times of difficulty" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal or technical writing, more specific and precise language may be preferable.