sombre time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sombre time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period that is characterized by sadness, seriousness, or a lack of joy. Example: "The community entered a sombre time after the tragic event that shook their town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said that it was a "sombre time".

Independent

The presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj has said that it is a "sombre time".

Independent

"It was a sombre time because the country was in the middle of a war," she says, yet an abiding memory was of the classical Persian music her grandparents loved.

The Guardian - Music

Fiyaz Mughal, the founder of Tell Mama and Faith Matters, said: "It's a sombre time for British Muslims with a sharp rise in Islamophobic hate incidents, impacts on the mobility of Muslim women in our country through Islamophobia, and recent terrorism in the heart of Islam's second most sacred site that has further led to fears and insecurities.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It may not be to everyone's taste but, in these sombre times, I found the show offered a restorative tonic.

The Guardian

It's a film, according to Gyllenhaal, that is reflective of more sombre economic times.

The Guardian - Film

The small but powerful Gorky show at the uptown Gagosian Gallery hinges around the sombre "Night-time, Enigma and Nostalgia" (1933-34) and related drawings.

The Economist

The Sunday Times newspaper took a sombre tone, with the headline "It's time to let him go", quoting a longtime friend of Mandela's, Andrew Mlangeni.

Huffington Post

At the centre of the drama was Pistorius, a sombre and at times tormented figure in the dock and on the witness stand.

The Guardian

And on that sombre note, it's time to close up for the evening.

The Guardian - Business

The mood is sombre, perhaps the first time that a Diamond record has been as sombre as the man himself.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sombre time", consider the specific emotion you want to convey. While it generally implies sadness or seriousness, choosing more specific vocabulary can enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "sombre time" in contexts where the situation is only mildly serious or slightly sad. The phrase carries a significant weight and can sound melodramatic if the context doesn't warrant it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sombre time" functions as a noun phrase, where "sombre" modifies the noun "time". As Ludwig AI explains, it's a period characterized by sadness or seriousness. It is used to set a tone of gravity and reflection.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sombre time" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that describes a period marked by sadness or seriousness. As Ludwig AI points out, it effectively communicates a sense of gravity and reflection. While its usage is relatively rare, mainly appearing in News & Media, it provides a distinct way to emphasize the emotional weight of a situation. Choosing alternatives such as "gloomy period" or "serious moment" can offer greater precision depending on the specific context. Remember to use "sombre time" judiciously to avoid sounding overly dramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gloomy period

Replaces "sombre" with "gloomy", emphasizing the lack of light or hope.

Serious moment

Shifts the focus to a specific point in time marked by gravity and importance.

Difficult phase

Highlights the challenging nature of the period, focusing on hardship.

Mournful era

Emphasizes the presence of mourning and grief throughout the period.

Depressing stage

Focuses on the emotional impact of the period, highlighting feelings of sadness.

Melancholy days

Emphasizes the sadness and pensiveness associated with the period.

Sad chapter

Presents the period as a part of a larger narrative characterized by unhappiness.

Bleak spell

Highlights the desolation and lack of promise during the period.

Austere moment

Replaces "sombre" with "austere", emphasizing the lack of comfort and luxury.

Dismal hours

Highlights the gloom and despondency associated with the period.

FAQs

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

You can use "sombre time" to describe a period marked by sadness or seriousness. For example: "The nation entered a "sombre time" after the tragic events".

What can I say instead of "sombre time"?

You can use alternatives like "gloomy period", "serious moment", or "difficult phase" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "sombre time" or "somber time"?

"Sombre time" and "somber time" are both correct, with "sombre" being more common in British English and "somber" being more common in American English. They both mean the same thing: a sad or serious period.

What is the difference between "sombre time" and "difficult time"?

"Sombre time" specifically implies sadness or seriousness, while "difficult time" suggests a period of hardship or challenges. While a "sombre time" might be difficult, a "difficult time" isn't necessarily sombre.