severe trials

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe trials" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe difficult or challenging experiences that someone is facing, often in a serious context. Example: "The community faced severe trials during the natural disaster, but they came together to support one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

By a series of severe trials, the conspirators were traced and exiled.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Severe trials befell Solzhenitsyn, as they did millions of other people in this country," Mr. Gorbachev said in an interview with the Interfax news agency.

The New York Times - Books

"I had so many severe trials & Sore troubles but would to God that I could live all my troubles over and have them aggravated to the full of human imagination if it would recall the life of my brother.

The New York Times

It's about a dog who goes through a series of pretty severe trials and tribulations and it made us cry.

Vice

He was a leader who had to leave his father's house and pave his own path to holiness through severe trials and tribulations including the potential sacrifice of his offspring.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

His generosity to all literary ventures he regarded as worthy was remarkable, and his inability to reject appeals for help was a severe trial to his agent.

The Guardian

I want to say that this is, of course, a severe trial for our country, a great trial indeed.

Huffington Post

Many of his men blamed McCay for subjecting them to such a humiliating and severe trial.

Wikipedia

He is right that this is a severe trial for his country, but he is wrong in his belief that "other countries too have gone through such trials".

Huffington Post

Gentle Reminder: These tips have worked for me as preparation to cope during a personal crisis or severe trial, and sticking to them helped me get through the crisis -- to survive it.

Huffington Post

Irving was surprised and honored, writing, "It will be a severe trial to absent myself for a time from my dear little Sunnyside, but I shall return to it better enabled to carry it on comfortably".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "severe trials", ensure the context clearly establishes the serious and challenging nature of the experiences you are describing. Using descriptive language helps the reader understand the gravity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "severe trials" in casual or light-hearted contexts as it can sound overly dramatic or inappropriate. Opt for less intense phrases like "tough times" or "difficult moments" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe trials" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "severe" modifies the noun "trials". It is used to describe experiences that are extremely difficult or challenging, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "severe trials" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It describes intensely difficult or challenging experiences. While Ludwig indicates that it is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it's important to consider the appropriate tone and formality when using this phrase. Alternatives such as "arduous ordeals" or "difficult hardships" can be considered based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arduous ordeals

Emphasizes the difficulty and prolonged nature of the trials.

challenging tribulations

Highlights the difficulty as well as the cause of distress.

difficult hardships

Focuses on the difficult and adverse conditions experienced.

demanding tests

Stresses the rigorous and challenging nature of the trials.

formidable challenges

Highlights the scale and intimidating nature of the trials.

testing times

A more general phrase that refers to difficult periods.

critical junctures

Focuses on moments of extreme importance and difficulty.

grueling experiences

Highlights the exhausting and demanding nature of the trials.

tough ordeals

Emphasizes the resilience that is needed when passing through severe ordeals.

intense difficulties

Highlights the high degree or strength of the difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "severe trials" in a sentence?

You can use "severe trials" to describe challenging experiences, such as "The refugees faced "severe trials" during their journey to safety".

What are some alternatives to "severe trials"?

Some alternatives include "arduous ordeals", "challenging tribulations", or "difficult hardships" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "severe trials" in a formal setting?

Yes, "severe trials" is appropriate for formal settings when describing serious and challenging situations. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the context.

What is the difference between "severe trials" and "minor setbacks"?

"Severe trials" refers to significant and challenging experiences, while "minor setbacks" are small, temporary delays or problems. The phrases differ greatly in the degree of difficulty and impact.