rough time

USAGE SUMMARY

"rough time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a time period that is difficult and challenging. For example, "I had a rough time when my pet died last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Aronian had a rough time.

The New York Times

That was a rough time.

The New York Times

Try giving me a rough time.

The New York Times

Yes, we had a rough time.

The New York Times

We had a rough time," he acknowledged.

The New York Times

He had quite a rough time.

The New York Times

Chris and Ken had a rough time.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a rough time.

The Guardian

The bullpen's going through a rough time.

The New York Times - Sports

It was kind of a rough time.

The Guardian - Music

And I've had a rough time, unfairly.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rough time", ensure the context clearly indicates the nature of the difficulty or challenge being faced. Provide specific details to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid simply stating someone had a "rough time" without providing any context or details. This can leave the reader unclear about the actual difficulties experienced. Instead, elaborate on the specific challenges or hardships faced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough time" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a period marked by difficulty or unpleasantness. It often follows verbs like "have", "go through", or "give" to indicate experiencing or causing such a period.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rough time" is a common and versatile expression used to describe a period filled with difficulties, challenges, or unpleasant experiences. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to convey hardship, explain setbacks, or express sympathy. While suitable for general and informal contexts, consider more precise alternatives like "difficult period" or "challenging situation" in formal or professional settings. Remember to provide context when using "rough time" to ensure clarity and impact. Avoid vague descriptions, and instead, elaborate on the specific challenges faced. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, you can effectively communicate the experience of difficulty in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult period

Focuses on the challenging nature of the time.

hard experience

Emphasizes the unpleasant nature of the event.

trying circumstances

Highlights the challenging conditions surrounding the situation.

tough situation

Uses more informal language to describe a challenging scenario.

testing moment

Focuses on the way the experience challenges or tests someone.

unpleasant phase

Highlights the disagreeable quality and temporary nature of the period.

challenging situation

Highlights the demanding aspects of a scenario.

bad patch

Uses informal language to indicate a period of misfortune.

adversity

Refers to general hardship or misfortune.

ordeal

Emphasizes the painful and prolonged nature of the experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "rough time" to describe a period filled with difficulties. For instance, "He had a "rough time" after losing his job" or "The company went through a "rough time" during the recession".

What are some alternatives to saying "rough time"?

Alternatives include "difficult period", "hard experience", or "trying circumstances", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

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

While "rough time" is widely understood, it may be considered somewhat informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise and professional alternatives like "challenging situation" or "difficult period".

What's the difference between "rough time" and "tough time"?

"Rough time" and "tough time" are often used interchangeably to describe a period of difficulty. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, as they carry similar connotations.