patch of tough times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "patch of tough times" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a difficult or challenging period in someone's life or circumstances. Example: "After going through a patch of tough times, she finally found the strength to move forward and rebuild her life."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it's also symbolic of tough times for Saudi Arabia.

Independent

It's for protection in these kind of tough times.

Forbes

Talk of tough times.

Vice

I'm jealous of Tough Times.

Vice

But it is closing — another casualty of tougher times.

The New York Times

While President Bush continues to toss around such euphemisms as "rough patch" and "tough times," most Americans have clearly felt the effects of a recession--a "bear economy --for theconomy --fornths.

Huffington Post

"You are coming of age in tough times," Hais says.

Forbes

This tends to be especially true of those companies with real products, real market share, real earnings and a real consumer, all of which have been through the trials of rough patches in the past, and whose current management has an established history of navigating tough times.

Forbes

Mr Madge warned on Thursday of extremely tough times ahead.

BBC

Nice wallpaper with a family picture of the sunset of your vacation can inspire you in tough times.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

In tough times, the strengths and weaknesses of an institute become apparent.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "patch of tough times" when you want to specifically emphasize that the difficult period is temporary and will eventually pass.

Common error

While "patch of tough times" is valid, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "difficult period" or "challenging phase" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "patch of tough times" functions as a noun phrase, specifically describing a temporary period characterized by difficulties or hardships. As per Ludwig AI the phrase is correct. However, examples are rare.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "patch of tough times" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a temporary period of hardship. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct. However, it's important to note that examples of its usage are rare, so while acceptable, consider using more common alternatives like "difficult period" or "challenging phase" for clarity and resonance. Remember to use "patch of tough times" when emphasizing the temporary nature of the difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rough patch

This is more direct and common synonym.

difficult period

Replaces "tough times" with a more general term for a challenging situation.

challenging phase

Uses "challenging" instead of "tough" and "phase" instead of "times", slightly altering the tone.

trying times

Emphasizes the challenging and stressful nature of the period.

hard times

Simplifies the phrase by removing "patch of", focusing on the difficult period itself.

spell of difficulty

Uses "spell" to indicate a limited period of difficulty.

period of adversity

Replaces "tough times" with a more formal term, "adversity", for a challenging situation.

time of hardship

Similar to "hard times", but uses "hardship" for emphasis.

series of setbacks

Focuses on the occurrence of multiple negative events.

unfavorable circumstances

Replaces the emotional term with a descriptive one, focusing on the external conditions.

FAQs

What does "patch of tough times" mean?

The phrase "patch of tough times" refers to a temporary period of difficulty or hardship in someone's life or in a particular situation.

How can I use "patch of tough times" in a sentence?

You might say, "After a "patch of tough times", the company finally turned a profit" or "The family went through a "patch of tough times" after losing their home".

What can I say instead of "patch of tough times"?

You can use alternatives like "difficult period", "challenging phase", or "rough patch" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "difficult times" or "patch of tough times"?

"Difficult times" is a more general term for any period of hardship, whereas ""patch of tough times"" implies that the hardship is temporary and limited.