in troubled times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in troubled times" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to periods of difficulty, crisis, or hardship in various contexts, such as personal, social, or global situations. Example: "In troubled times, it is essential to support one another and find strength in community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That is reassuring in troubled times".

The New York Times

In troubled times it takes us away from our troubles.

The New York Times - Sports

We live in troubled times.

The New York Times

Marechera grew up in troubled times.

The Guardian - Books

Human Rights in Troubled Times (2011); Toward New Democratic Imaginaries.

Yale University

In troubled times it's important to pace yourself.

The New York Times

We've always been there for each other in troubled times.

Independent

In troubled times, it is also a fundamentally optimistic gesture.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In troubled times, consumers usually back away from major purchases.

The New York Times

In troubled times, a designer should not be dogmatic.

The New York Times - Style

Was it a justifiable expense in troubled times?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific context when using "in troubled times". Is it economic, political, or personal hardship? Tailor your language to resonate with the situation you're describing.

Common error

Avoid using "in troubled times" too frequently. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for synonyms or rephrase your sentences to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in troubled times" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate when an action occurs. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use to set the scene or provide context for events happening during periods of difficulty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in troubled times" is a versatile and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Functioning as an adverbial phrase, it's primarily used to set the context for events occurring during periods of hardship, crisis, or difficulty. It is deemed grammatically correct, according to Ludwig AI, and appears most commonly in News & Media and Academic contexts, signifying a neutral register suitable for various audiences. When using "in troubled times", consider the specific context and avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "during difficult periods" or "amidst challenging circumstances" can provide variety and nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during difficult periods

Replaces "troubled times" with a more general term for hardship.

amidst challenging circumstances

Substitutes "troubled times" with a focus on difficult conditions.

when facing adversity

Highlights the presence of hardship and opposition.

in times of crisis

Emphasizes a specific period of intense difficulty.

under adverse conditions

Focuses on the unfavorable circumstances.

through hardship and turmoil

Highlights the combined effect of suffering and disorder.

during economic downturns

Specifies the context as a period of economic decline.

through periods of instability

Focuses on the lack of stability and security.

while navigating difficulties

Highlights the active process of dealing with problems.

in trying circumstances

Emphasizes the testing nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "in troubled times" in a sentence?

You can use "in troubled times" to describe periods of hardship or crisis, such as "In troubled times, community support becomes essential".

What are some alternatives to "in troubled times"?

Alternatives include "during difficult periods", "amidst challenging circumstances", or "in times of crisis", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "in troubled times" in formal writing?

Yes, "in troubled times" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing serious or significant events. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall context.

What is the difference between "in troubled times" and "in difficult times"?

While similar, "in troubled times" often implies a sense of broader societal or global issues, whereas "in difficult times" can refer to more personal or individual struggles. The choice depends on the specific scope of the hardship being discussed.