rocky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rocky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is difficult, unstable, or full of challenges, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "Their relationship has been rocky since the argument last month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

His tenure in the state house was rocky.

The Guardian

There are mules and camels to ride and mountain bikes to rent, but I couldn't resist trying the nine-hole "cross country" golf course, which runs along a nearby rocky riverbed and is more akin to crazy golf.

The Guardian - Travel

thepalmsnegril.com, double rooms from $80 a night plus taxes The rocky stretch of Negril known as the West End became a mecca for hippies in the 1960s, and Banana Shout evokes the best of the old bohemian spirit, perched on the edge of the cliffs right next door to Rick's Cafe, the famous sunset diving spot.

The Guardian - Travel

He complained about it earlier, the rocky state of commercial music, the sense of being on a doomed ship.

The Guardian - Music

The latter is a delirious surrealist fantasy involving a murderous child, a dreamy girl who might be his mother, a pirate who keeps her prisoner on a rocky island, incestuous relationships, a castration and a rape.

The Guardian - Film

The victory by Mr. Rudd in a closed-door vote late Wednesday paves the way for an end to the rocky tenure in power for Ms. Gillard, who had called the surprise vote in an attempt to head off a challenge from his backers.

The Guardian

Get up early and head to the rocky end of the beach and you may spot dolphins.

The Guardian - Travel

These rocky islands, fringed with white beaches and breaking waves, were once part of the same landmass before sea levels rose, engulfing most of it – the "drowned landscape" described by Cornish historian Charles Thomas.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Since then, the Rocky Mountain Instistute has advised many of the world's largest companies and dozens of countries how to reduce bills with renewables and has challenged the giant car, aviation and construction industries to rethink the way they operate.

The Guardian

In a linked commentary, Vincent Munster, of NIAID Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton, US, pointed out that there had not been reports of camels falling ill as a result of the virus.

The Guardian

Rocky Mohan, whose recipe is included in Rick Stein's India, adds fresh coconut and almonds, Jaffrey uses almonds alone, Sethi and Toombs cashews, and Sethi melon seeds, which necessitate a trip down to Brick Lane, London.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a period or situation as "rocky", ensure the context clearly indicates what is experiencing difficulty, such as a relationship, a career, or a political term.

Common error

Avoid using "rocky" to describe something simply hard or solid; "rocky" implies unevenness or instability, not just hardness. Use "hard" or "solid" instead when describing a material's consistency.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "rocky" primarily functions to describe something characterized by the presence of rocks or experiencing instability or difficulty. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Travel

22%

Sport

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

6%

Lifestyle

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "rocky" is frequently used to describe physical landscapes abundant with rocks, or metaphorically, to depict periods or relationships marked by instability or difficulty. Ludwig AI affirms its correct and versatile usage. Predominantly found in news and travel contexts, "rocky" maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal discourse. Alternatives like "unstable" or "difficult" can provide nuanced substitutes depending on the intended meaning. Remember that "rocky" implies unevenness or instability, not just hardness. As showcased by Ludwig, it's a word deeply ingrained in diverse aspects of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unstable

Focuses on the lack of stability or firmness.

difficult

Emphasizes the challenging or problematic nature of a situation.

rough

Highlights the uneven or irregular quality of a surface or experience.

bumpy

Specifically refers to a surface with many raised parts.

stony

Directly relates to the presence of stones or rocks.

troubled

Indicates distress or problems in a situation or relationship.

jolting

Describes something that causes sudden, sharp movements.

arduous

Highlights the strenuous and demanding nature of a task or journey.

precarious

Indicates a state of instability and danger.

treacherous

Suggests hidden dangers and risks.

FAQs

How can I use "rocky" in a sentence?

You can use "rocky" to describe a terrain filled with rocks, like in "a rocky beach", or to describe a period or relationship filled with difficulty, like in "a rocky start".

What's a synonym for "rocky" when referring to a difficult time?

When "rocky" describes a difficult period, you can use synonyms like "turbulent", "difficult", or "unstable".

Is it correct to say "a rocky road"?

Yes, it is correct. "A rocky road" is an idiomatic expression that means a difficult or challenging path or experience. It's a common usage of "rocky".

What's the difference between "rocky" and "stony"?

"Rocky" typically refers to a landscape or terrain filled with rocks, while "stony" can also imply a lack of emotion or a cold demeanor in a person. Therefore, although they both contain rocks, context affects usage.