rough patch

USAGE SUMMARY

'rough patch' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe a period of difficulty or hardship. For example, "I experienced a rough patch in my career, but I was able to bounce back."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

during a rough patch.

The New York Times - Magazine

He hit a rough patch.

The Washington Post

Rostock has been through a rough patch.

The Economist

EUROPE is hitting another rough patch.

The New York Times

A rough patch in their marriage?

The New York Times

Getting through the rough patch took months.

The New York Times

Yes, recycling is in a rough patch.

The New York Times

"Then we hit a rough patch.

The New York Times

"Pakistan is going through a rough patch.

The Guardian

Then he hit a rough patch.

The Guardian

Steven Ballmer is going through a rough patch.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rough patch", consider adding context to explain the cause or nature of the difficulty. For example, "The company experienced a "rough patch" due to increased competition.".

Common error

Avoid using "rough patch" to describe catastrophic or permanent situations. This phrase implies a temporary setback, so reserve it for challenges that are expected to resolve.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough patch" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition (e.g., "through a "rough patch"") or as a subject complement. Ludwig AI indicates its wide applicability in describing difficult periods.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rough patch" is a common noun phrase used to describe a temporary period of difficulty or hardship. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability across various contexts, especially in news and media. While grammatically correct and widely understood, it's important to consider the level of formality required by the specific writing context. Synonyms such as "difficult period", "tough time", or "hard times" can be used depending on the tone you want to convey. Be mindful not to use "rough patch" for catastrophic or permanent situations, as it implies a temporary setback.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult period

Replaces "rough" with "difficult" and "patch" with "period", maintaining the meaning of a challenging time.

tough time

Uses more informal language to convey the same concept of a difficult experience.

hard times

Emphasizes the difficulty of the period, focusing on hardship and adversity.

challenging phase

Highlights the demanding nature of the period, suggesting a need for resilience.

crisis

Indicates a more severe and critical situation than a "rough patch".

setback

Focuses on a specific event that caused a temporary delay or problem.

problematic stage

Highlights issues that require to be solved.

trying circumstances

Emphasizes the stressful and demanding aspects of the situation.

period of adversity

Formally describes a time marked by unfavorable conditions and misfortune.

stormy phase

Uses a metaphor to describe a turbulent and unstable period.

FAQs

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

You can use "rough patch" to describe a difficult period in various contexts. For example, "Our business is going through a "rough patch" right now", or "They're experiencing a "difficult period" in their relationship".

What are some synonyms for "rough patch"?

Alternatives to "rough patch" include "difficult period", "tough time", or "hard times", depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "rough patch" in formal writing?

While "rough patch" is widely understood, it might be considered informal for very formal contexts. In those cases, consider using "period of adversity" or "challenging phase" for a more professional tone.

What does it mean when someone says they're going through a "rough patch"?

It means they are experiencing a period of difficulty, challenges, or setbacks. This could relate to their personal life, career, finances, or any other area where they're facing temporary hardships.