rough ride

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rough ride" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a difficult or unpleasant situation or experience. For example, you could say, "We had a rough ride, but we finally made it to the top of the mountain".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's been a rough ride".

The New York Times

"He's had a rough ride.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a rough ride.

The Guardian

"That's a rough ride.

The Guardian - Film

Critics could expect a rough ride.

The Economist

Investors have also had a rough ride.

The Economist

I think he's had a rough ride".

Independent

"It's been a rough ride," he said.

The New York Times

"It simply was not a rough ride.

The Guardian

"That's a rough ride," he said, appreciatively.

The New York Times - Style

Both give Catholicism a rough ride.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rough ride" when describing a situation marked by difficulties, challenges, or unpleasant experiences, especially when a sense of progression or journey is implied.

Common error

Avoid using "rough ride" for minor inconveniences; reserve it for situations involving significant hardship or difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough ride" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object within a sentence. It describes a period or experience characterized by challenges and difficulties. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rough ride" is a common and widely understood expression used to describe a period or situation marked by difficulties and challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, "rough ride" serves to convey hardship and adversity. While it maintains a neutral register suitable for general conversation, more formal alternatives may be preferred in specific contexts. Key takeaways include reserving "rough ride" for significant challenges and considering alternatives like "difficult time" or "challenging situation" for greater precision. The phrase is prevalent in sources like The New York Times, The Guardian and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rocky road

Similar to "rough ride" but uses a different metaphor of a road with difficulties.

difficult time

Focuses on the experience being challenging, without necessarily implying a journey.

hardship

Emphasizes the suffering and difficulties encountered.

tough period

Highlights the temporal aspect of the difficulty.

stormy passage

Metaphorically refers to a period filled with turbulence and trouble.

ordeal

Implies a severe or prolonged test of character.

trying experience

Stresses the demanding nature of the event.

challenging situation

Focuses on the problematic aspects of a scenario.

troubled times

Refers specifically to periods marked by problems and unrest.

tumultuous journey

Emphasizes the instability and chaos of the experience.

FAQs

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

The phrase "rough ride" typically describes a period or experience filled with difficulties. For example, "The company had a "rough ride" during the recession."

What's a good alternative for "rough ride"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "difficult time", "hardship", or "tough period" to convey a similar meaning.

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

While "rough ride" is widely understood, it may be more suitable for neutral or informal contexts. For formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "challenging period" or "time of adversity".

What does it mean when someone says a bill had a "rough ride" in Congress?

It means the bill faced significant opposition and challenges during the legislative process. It suggests the bill's passage was difficult and contentious.