rough conditions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rough conditions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe difficult or challenging circumstances, often in contexts such as weather, work environments, or personal situations. Example: "The team faced rough conditions during their expedition, with heavy rain and strong winds making progress difficult."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Roughness blocks whose heights were one eighth of the hill height were arranged in a staggered pattern with a roughness density of 4.1% to model the rough conditions.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

The isolation and rough conditions took a heavy toll.

The New York Times - Books

No one wants to hear soldiers whining about rough conditions.

The New York Times

Was she preparing herself, I asked Markovic, for the rough conditions of a Serbian prison?

The New York Times - Magazine

Rough conditions are expected in ocean racing, and safety investigations by national federations are not common.

The New York Times - Sports

As of Wednesday evening, the crew's Web site, uk.virginmoney.com/challenge reported rough conditions, but no major problems.

The New York Times - Sports

Mopping up inside the stadia became a regular occurrence during the opening days and the regatta faced rough conditions.

The Guardian - Arts

From the starting fleet of 108, there have been 31 withdrawals, most linked to the first night of rough conditions.

The Guardian - Sport

"It was gusty, very gusty after the Verrazano Bridge, and it was pretty rough conditions," he said.

The New York Times

I did a mental pat on the back: sleeping in rough conditions like Shackleton and his men – check.

Independent

Mark Wilson, a Met Office meteorologist, said the rough conditions on Saturday had been caused by a combination of strong winds and spring tides.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing weather or environmental factors, use "rough conditions" to convey the presence of strong winds, high waves, or other hazardous elements. For example, "The sailing race was postponed due to the "rough conditions" at sea".

Common error

While "rough conditions" can sometimes apply to difficult life circumstances, it's generally more effective to use phrases like "challenging situations" or "difficult times" when not referring to literal physical conditions. Reserve "rough conditions" for describing tangible, environmental challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough conditions" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state or situation characterized by unfavorable or challenging elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is well recognized.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rough conditions" is a versatile term used to describe challenging or difficult circumstances, especially in environmental contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It's a common expression, primarily found in News & Media, but also appearing in scientific and general writing. Alternatives like "adverse conditions" or "difficult circumstances" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When writing, remember to reserve "rough conditions" primarily for physical environments and consider alternative phrases for emotional or personal difficulties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adverse conditions

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the unfavorable nature of the circumstances.

unfavorable conditions

Similar to "adverse conditions", this highlights the lack of suitability or advantage in the given situation.

difficult circumstances

This phrase is a broader term, encompassing a wider range of challenges, not necessarily physical or environmental.

harsh circumstances

This alternative highlights the severity and potential suffering caused by the conditions.

severe circumstances

This alternative stresses the intensity and gravity of the situation.

trying conditions

Focuses on the testing and stressful nature of the circumstances.

challenging environment

This phrase focuses on the demanding nature of the surroundings.

arduous environment

This highlights the labor-intensive and strenuous aspects of the conditions.

tough situation

This alternative is more informal and general, applicable to a wider variety of difficult scenarios.

precarious situation

Emphasizes the instability and potential danger of the conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "rough conditions" in a sentence?

You can use "rough conditions" to describe situations with strong winds, high waves, or other hazardous elements. For instance, "The rescue operation was hampered by the "rough conditions" at sea."

What are some alternatives to using "rough conditions"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "adverse conditions", "difficult circumstances", or "harsh environment".

Is it appropriate to use "rough conditions" to describe emotional or personal difficulties?

While technically possible, it's generally better to reserve "rough conditions" for physical or environmental challenges. For emotional or personal difficulties, consider using phrases like "challenging times" or "difficult situation".

What kind of situations are best described by "rough conditions"?

"Rough conditions" is most appropriate for describing weather, sea states, or terrain that presents a physical challenge or hazard. Examples include sailing, mountain climbing, or disaster relief efforts.