nervous time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nervous time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period when someone feels anxious or apprehensive about a situation. Example: "Waiting for the exam results was a nervous time for all the students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

But this is a particularly nervous time.

The Economist

"It's a very nervous time right now".

The New York Times

"It's a very nervous time internally," says one insider.

The Guardian

"Now it's a nervous time," Mr. Zizka said.

The New York Times

"It's a nervous time to start anything new," Mr. Weisberg acknowledged.

The New York Times

It will be a nervous time for Stuart Lancaster and his England team.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

These are mildly nervous times.

The Guardian - Sport

Nervous times for the toothy ones.

The Economist

Especially in these nervous times, that can alienate a deal.

The New York Times

In nervous times, he said, "the spirit rises".

The New York Times - Style

But these are nervous times in American corporate media.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nervous time" to describe periods of uncertainty, anticipation, or high stakes, such as before an important event or during a critical decision-making process.

Common error

Avoid using "nervous time" to describe situations that are mildly inconvenient or require only slight attention. This phrase is more appropriately used to portray genuine anxiety, apprehension, or high emotional investment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nervous time" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "nervous" modifies the noun "time". It describes a specific period characterized by anxiety or apprehension. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "nervous time" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a period filled with anxiety or anticipation. As indicated by Ludwig, it is frequently used in news and media to depict moments of uncertainty or high stakes. While versatile, it's important to reserve its use for situations that truly evoke genuine anxiety, rather than trivial inconveniences. Consider alternatives like "anxious period" or "tense moment" to adjust the tone and emphasize specific nuances. Understanding its usage and context will allow for its more impactful and appropriate employment in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anxious period

Replaces "nervous" with "anxious" and "time" with "period", focusing on the feeling of anxiety over a duration.

uneasy period

Similar to "anxious period" but uses "uneasy" to convey a feeling of discomfort and apprehension.

tense moment

Shifts the focus to a specific moment that is charged with tension, rather than a prolonged duration.

uncertain phase

Emphasizes the lack of certainty and the transitional nature of the situation, highlighting the insecurity.

difficult moment

Focuses on the challenge and stress associated with a particular point in time.

fraught period

Highlights the stress and anxiety associated with a particular duration.

precarious situation

Highlights the instability and potential danger of the situation.

testing interval

Highlights the evaluative and challenging nature of the period.

worrying juncture

Emphasizes the concern and importance of a specific point in time.

unsettling experience

Focuses on the disturbing or disquieting nature of the event or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "nervous time" in a sentence?

You can use "nervous time" to describe a period filled with anxiety or anticipation. For example, "Waiting for the election results was a "nervous time" for everyone involved".

What phrases are similar to "nervous time"?

Alternatives to "nervous time" include "anxious period", "tense moment", or "uncertain phase", which can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "nervous time" in formal writing?

Yes, "nervous time" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, especially when describing a period of uncertainty or anxiety. However, choose synonyms like "precarious situation" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "nervous time" and "nervous times"?

"Nervous time" refers to a specific instance or period of anxiety, while "nervous times" suggests a broader era or recurring situation characterized by anxiety or uncertainty. For example, "These are nervous times for the economy".