miserable times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "miserable times" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe periods of hardship, suffering, or distress in a person's life or in history. Example: "During the Great Depression, many families experienced miserable times as they struggled to make ends meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

THESE are miserable times for American conservatives.

The Economist

THESE are miserable times for managers.

The Economist

To Leopardi, remembering the miserable times is its own kind of happiness.

The New Yorker

Certainly the most miserable times are the most fun to read about it.

The Guardian - Travel

These were obviously miserable times for Clegg, who seriously considered resigning as leader on several occasions rather than drag the party down with him.

The Guardian - Books

The narrative shifts back and forth from the shooting, the trial and flashbacks of the couple in happier and also more miserable times.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"It was a miserable time".

The New York Times - Sports

It really looked like a miserable time".

The New York Times - Arts

It was the most miserable time of my entire life".

The New York Times - Health

"It's been a pretty miserable time for innovation".

The Guardian - Tech

THIS is a miserable time to be a Democrat.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "miserable times", provide context to explain the specific reasons for the hardship. For example, "The country experienced miserable times due to the economic recession."

Common error

Avoid using "miserable times" as a vague descriptor. Always specify what made the times miserable. Saying simply "These are miserable times" lacks impact without further explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "miserable times" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it describes a period characterized by unhappiness or suffering. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "miserable times" is a grammatically sound and understandable English expression used to describe periods marked by significant hardship, suffering, or general unhappiness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable, primarily appearing in news and media contexts to evoke empathy or understanding. While synonyms like "difficult period" or "hard times" exist, "miserable times" specifically highlights a deeper sense of distress. Therefore, when employing this phrase, it's beneficial to provide specific context to maximize its impact and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard times

Emphasizes hardship and struggle.

bad times

A more general term for unpleasant experiences.

difficult period

Focuses on the challenging aspect of the time.

trying times

Similar to "testing times", emphasizing endurance.

grim times

Emphasizes the severity and unpleasantness of the period.

tough period

Similar to "difficult period" but with a slightly stronger connotation of resilience needed.

testing times

Suggests a period where one's strength and resolve are challenged.

unhappy days

Highlights the lack of joy during the period.

bleak period

Focuses on the lack of positive outlook or hope.

dark days

Conveys a sense of hopelessness and despair.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "miserable times"?

Alternatives include "difficult period", "hard times", "unhappy days", or "tough period" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Miserable times" describes periods of significant hardship or unhappiness. For example, "The refugees endured miserable times during the war" or "These are miserable times for small businesses struggling with rising costs".

What makes "miserable times" different from "difficult times"?

"Miserable times" implies a deeper level of unhappiness and suffering than "difficult times", which might simply refer to challenging circumstances without necessarily suggesting intense emotional distress.

Is "miserable times" a formal or informal expression?

"Miserable times" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal writing might prefer alternatives like "challenging period" or "trying times" in some situations.