rugged time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rugged time" is not commonly used in written English and may not convey a clear meaning.
It could be used to describe a difficult or challenging period, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "During those rugged times, we learned to rely on each other for support."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It's been a rugged time, candidly," Mr. Specter said.

The New York Times

Sean talked for a bit about the rugged time he'd had getting through North Dakota, from Minot to Williston, where an oil and construction boom has made motel rooms and even campsites scarce and has rendered the roads dangerous with truck traffic.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

These are kids who have gone through some pretty rugged times.

The New York Times

I would say it's going to be pretty rugged going every time we play them".

The New York Times - Sports

This approach for using temperature profiling in lined holes with heating is a practical advance in fractured rock hydrogeology because the liners are readily available, the equipment needed for heating is low cost and rugged, and the time needed to obtain the profiles is not excessive for most projects.

Journal of Hydrology

Along the southern coast the land drops away from a 2,000-foot (600-metre) plateau, backed by a rugged escarpment three times as high, to meet the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Mr. FitzSimons argues they are more like the blower Bentleys of the time -- rugged racing machines, operated by young aristocrats, proud of their engineering and undisguised by styling.

The New York Times

DENVER — As a wilderness firefighter, Caleb Renno hiked over mountains until his heels bled, living out of tents and eating packaged food for weeks at a time in rugged corners of the burning West.

The New York Times

In the 19th century, scientists were unraveling the story of geology and rolling back the age of the earth, and that led artists to the view that wilderness was ancient and eternal, a rugged echo of deep time.

The New York Times

At the time, the rugged cape at the most southwestern point of Portugal was thought to be the "end of the world".

Forbes

Mr. Tepfer's pianism, both for Mr. Winther and in his own solos, was rugged and emphatic; at times his harmonies evoked a slightly bent Americana.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common alternatives like "difficult times" or "hard times" for clearer communication. While "rugged time" is understandable, it's not as widely recognized.

Common error

Avoid using "rugged time" when you mean something is simply durable or robust. "Rugged" in this context refers more to a challenging or difficult experience, not physical toughness. Focus on using the phrase to describe hardship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rugged time" functions as a noun phrase, where "rugged" modifies "time". It serves to describe a specific period characterized by difficulty or hardship. Ludwig indicates the phrase isn't commonly used.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rugged time" refers to a difficult or challenging period. While grammatically sound, Ludwig indicates it's not a frequently used expression; therefore, alternatives like "hard times" or "difficult period" are often clearer and more common. Most of the examples come from News & Media sources. Remember that while it describes hardship, it does not refer to physical robustness. Thus, when writing, favoring clarity might mean opting for a more conventional phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard times

A more common and direct way of expressing a period of difficulty.

tough period

Similar to 'difficult period', but with a slightly more informal tone.

difficult period

Replaces 'rugged' with 'difficult', focusing on the challenging nature of the time.

challenging era

Substitutes 'rugged' with 'challenging' and 'time' with 'era', emphasizing the demanding aspects of the period.

demanding phase

Highlights the demanding nature of the situation.

trying circumstances

Focuses on the difficult conditions experienced during the time.

testing moments

Focuses on the aspects that put someone's resilience to the test.

grim situation

Emphasizes the negative and unpleasant aspects of the time.

strenuous phase

Highlights the arduous and effort-intensive nature of the period.

precarious situation

Indicates instability and potential danger during the given time.

FAQs

What does "rugged time" mean?

The phrase "rugged time" suggests a period filled with challenges, difficulties, or hardships. It's not a very common expression, so alternatives like "difficult period" or "hard times" might be clearer.

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

You can use "rugged time" to describe a difficult or challenging period in someone's life or in history. For example, "It was a "rugged time" for the family after the factory closed down."

Are there more common alternatives to "rugged time"?

Yes, more common alternatives include "hard times", "tough times", "difficult period", or "challenging era". These phrases are generally more readily understood.

Is "rugged time" grammatically correct?

Yes, "rugged time" is grammatically correct, but it's not a frequently used expression. While understandable, choosing a more common phrase may improve clarity.