in times of trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

"in times of trouble" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe periods of difficulty or hardship. Example: In times of trouble, friends and family come together to support one another. Example: The company always provides financial assistance to its employees in times of trouble.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gold often shines in times of trouble.

The Guardian - Business

The Chinese minority are often victimised in times of trouble.

The Economist

He talked about trusting in God in times of trouble.

The New York Times

Debt financing can be fickle in times of trouble.

The Economist

The government provides endless cash infusions in times of trouble.

The New York Times

"In times of trouble," advised the tour guide, "Go".

The New York Times - Travel

In times of trouble, Britain turns to the US.

The Guardian

The overarching theme: steady leadership in times of trouble.

The Guardian

This bond is clearest in times of trouble.

The New York Times - Magazine

This heroic ideal can help guide a person's behavior in times of trouble or moral uncertainty.

University of California, Berkeley

Perceivers rated providers on providers' supportiveness, a subjective judgment that a provider would assist in times of trouble.

Personality and Individual Differences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in times of trouble", consider the specific type of difficulty you're referring to. Being more precise can add clarity to your writing.

Common error

While "in times of trouble" is a valid phrase, relying on it too often can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "during difficult times" or "when adversity strikes".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in times of trouble" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying when something occurs. As Ludwig shows, this prepositional phrase sets a temporal context, indicating circumstances marked by difficulty or hardship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Science & Research

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in times of trouble" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that sets a temporal context of difficulty or hardship. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various domains. The phrase serves to highlight actions or support during such periods. While versatile, consider using synonyms like "during difficult times" or "when adversity strikes" to avoid repetition. Predominantly found in News & Media, and also present in academia and science, it's essential to consider the nuance of the specific hardship you're referencing for clarity and impact. The phrase has a neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during difficult times

Emphasizes the presence of difficulty as the defining characteristic of the period.

when adversity strikes

Highlights the sudden and impactful nature of hardship.

in moments of crisis

Focuses on periods of acute instability and danger.

when things get tough

A more informal way of describing challenging situations.

in periods of hardship

Underscores the prolonged nature of the difficulty.

under duress

Highlights that someone is experiencing threat and may be forced to do something against their will

when facing challenges

Emphasizes the act of confronting and dealing with difficult situations.

in the face of adversity

Highlights courage in confronting difficulty head-on.

through thick and thin

Implies unwavering support and loyalty regardless of circumstances.

come what may

Indicates an acceptance of whatever challenges the future holds.

FAQs

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

You can use "in times of trouble" to describe situations where support, resilience, or specific actions become crucial. For instance, "In times of trouble, community support is essential".

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

Alternatives include "during difficult times", "when adversity strikes", or "in moments of crisis", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it better to say "in a time of trouble" or "in times of trouble"?

"In times of trouble" is generally preferred as it suggests a recurring or general state of difficulty, while "in a time of trouble" implies a single, specific instance.

How does the formality of "in times of trouble" compare to its alternatives?

"In times of trouble" has a neutral to slightly formal tone. Less formal options include "when things get tough", while more formal options do not exist.