severe times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe times" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to difficult or challenging periods in life or history. Example: "During severe times, communities often come together to support one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"And I can understand that because we're coming off of very severe times".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A desperate attempt in severe time trouble.

The Guardian - Sport

I was trying to figure out how commentators do that when they're under such severe time pressure.

The Guardian

Under severe time constraints, due to the fighting, U.N. investigators interviewed and examined thirty-six survinors in two locations.

The New Yorker

But after 55... Qh1, Van Wely, certainly in severe time trouble, blundered egregiously with 56 Qg4? and after 56... Qc6 59 Kf5 Qf6 58 Ke4 Qc6 59 Kf5 Rf3 60 Qf3 Qf3 61 Ke6 Qf6mate, it was all over.

The New York Times

Archbishop Colloredo, a progressive churchman, discouraged lavish music and set a severe time limit on mass settings, which Mozart objected to but was obliged to observe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The team faced repeated threats of harm and severe time constraints, but in three days on site gathered more than 50 witness statements from people caught up in the attacks – patients, health workers and first responders.

The Guardian

The agency's officials were acting in March under severe time constraints to prepare the finding for the E.P.A. administrator, Lisa P. Jackson, who was planning to issue it in mid-April, fulfilling a presidential campaign pledge by Barack Obama.

The New York Times - Science

This simplified device made it possible for a player to survive severe time trouble, situations in which it was necessary to make 20 or 30 moves with less than a minute of allotted time remaining.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Despite the fact that he was in need of an operation and in severe time, he was able to direct quite capably all the operations of this gigantic real estate deal.

The New Yorker

This way, severe time variation can be handled.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "severe times", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. It implies a period that is not just difficult, but intensely so. Alternatives like "difficult times" might be more appropriate for milder situations.

Common error

Avoid using "severe times" when describing situations that are merely inconvenient or mildly challenging. The word "severe" suggests a high degree of intensity or seriousness, making it unsuitable for trivial matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe times" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It describes a period characterized by significant hardship or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, though the number of examples suggests relatively rare usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "severe times" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe periods marked by intense hardship. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, but indicates that the phrase is relatively rare. While "severe times" can function in various contexts, it often appears in news reports, scientific articles, or encyclopedic entries due to its formal and descriptive nature. When considering its use, remember that "severe" emphasizes a high degree of intensity, making it important to differentiate it from less intense options such as "difficult times" or "challenging periods". Being mindful of the level of intensity you want to convey can ensure you select the most appropriate expression for a better text.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moments of hardship

Similar to hard times, but more specific.

hard times

A more general and common expression for periods of hardship.

times of adversity

Highlights the presence of misfortune and hardship.

difficult periods

Focuses on the challenge aspect, less on the intensity.

periods of crisis

Focuses on the instability and urgency of the situation.

challenging eras

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the time.

grim realities

Emphasizes the harsh and unpleasant nature of the situation.

trying circumstances

Highlights the testing nature of the situation.

rough patches

Suggests a temporary and less intense period of difficulty.

critical junctures

Emphasizes the importance and potential danger of the moment.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "severe times"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "difficult periods", "challenging eras", or "hard times".

How does the intensity of "severe times" compare to "difficult times"?

"Severe times" implies a higher degree of intensity and seriousness compared to the more general term "difficult times". "Severe" suggests a situation that is extremely challenging or distressing.

Is "severe times" a formal or informal expression?

"Severe times" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in news reports and academic writing. In casual conversation, "hard times" might be more appropriate.

Can "severe times" be used to describe personal challenges?

Yes, while "severe times" is often used to describe broader societal or historical periods, it can also apply to personal challenges that are exceptionally difficult and distressing. However, consider if "difficult times" is more appropriate depending on the level of intensity.