murky times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "murky times" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe periods of uncertainty, confusion, or difficulty in various contexts, such as personal experiences, historical events, or societal issues. Example: "During the murky times of the pandemic, many people struggled to find clarity and direction in their lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

So what is a start-up to do in these murky times?

The New York Times

And a lighthouse in these difficult, murky times for the sport.

The Guardian - Sport

The judiciary, however, has largely kept its independence through these murky times.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It's a troubling, murky ballet, fit for a troubled, murky time.

The New York Times - Arts

They tend to see the primary market as murky, time-consuming and hierarchical.

The Economist

Above all, his light was clean and transparent, a far cry from Rembrandt's murky, time-freezing atmospheres.

The New York Times - Arts

As a consequence it was only a mildly murky time spent in Morgan and Davidson's company.

The Guardian

This is a murky time in Israel, a time of softening Israeli confidence in the Israeli government, but none at all in the intentions of Yasir Arafat, the Palestinian leader.

The New York Times

During this morketiden, or "murky time", the main reason for visiting Tromso is to try to see the northern lights – try being the operative word since, as Knut explains, "Aurora is a difficult lady: she'll only come out when she feels like it".

Independent

You were an idea, a possibility, in an otherwise murky time.

Huffington Post

I think it's incredible that in that otherwise fairly murky time, people were able to build the Roundtable in Poland.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "murky times" to describe a period characterized by both uncertainty and a sense of underlying negativity or moral ambiguity. For example, "The ethical landscape of the tech industry felt like "murky times" as regulations struggled to keep pace with innovation."

Common error

Avoid using "murky times" in situations that are simply difficult or challenging, but lack a sense of mystery or hidden agendas. For example, using "murky times" to describe a period of heavy workload might be an overstatement; consider alternatives like "demanding period" or "challenging times" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "murky times" functions as a noun phrase, often used as an adverbial modifier to describe the atmosphere or conditions during a particular period. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "murky times" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to describe periods characterized by uncertainty, confusion, and often, a sense of underlying negativity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While relatively rare, it is predominantly found in news and media contexts. Alternatives such as "turbulent times" or "uncertain period" can provide similar meaning with slightly different nuances. When using the phrase, consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects a period marked not just by difficulty, but also by a lack of transparency and potential ethical ambiguities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turbulent times

Stresses the instability and unrest associated with the period.

unsettled era

Underscores the instability and lack of resolution.

uncertain period

Focuses on the lack of certainty, downplaying the negative connotation of "murky".

dark days

Emphasizes the negativity and hardship.

confusing period

Stresses the lack of clarity and understanding.

difficult days

Emphasizes the hardship experienced during the period, removing the ambiguity aspect.

challenging era

Highlights the difficulties and tests faced, adopting a more formal tone.

grim period

Highlights the unpleasant and depressing nature of the times.

unclear future

Highlights the lack of predictability and visibility regarding what will happen.

obscure days

Focuses on the lack of transparency and hidden aspects.

FAQs

What does "murky times" mean?

"Murky times" refers to a period characterized by uncertainty, confusion, and often, a sense of underlying negativity or moral ambiguity. It suggests a lack of clarity and potential hidden issues.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "murky times"?

It's suitable when describing periods in history, politics, business, or personal life that are not only difficult but also lack transparency and are difficult to navigate. Avoid using it for simple challenges without this layer of ambiguity.

What are some alternative phrases for "murky times"?

Alternatives include "turbulent times", "uncertain period", "difficult days", or "challenging era" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

How does "murky times" differ from "dark times"?

While both phrases describe negative periods, "dark times" primarily emphasizes hardship and suffering. "Murky times", on the other hand, highlights the lack of clarity and potential hidden issues, suggesting a situation that is difficult to understand and navigate, in addition to being unpleasant.