stringent times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stringent times" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to periods of strictness, difficulty, or severe conditions, often in a financial or regulatory context. Example: "During stringent times, many businesses had to adapt their strategies to survive the economic downturn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Two years ago, and in more stringent times, Everton were posing their own challenge to the top four.

The Guardian - Sport

Not quite a target, then, but perhaps the best that could be expected in these stringent times.

The Economist

But even in stringent times, it seems like a good idea to do some science to find out what the world is made of and how it works.

The New York Times

Winfield said the remark about talking down to black people was what seemed newsworthy to him, while the vulgarity did not seem important enough to make an exception to stringent Times standards.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It might help if the department did not have such stringent time limits and attached fewer strings.

The New York Times

In the past, when stringent time requirements were not imposed, the United States sent three male and three female marathoners to the Games.

The New York Times - Sports

Under recent federal legislation promoting adoption, caseworkers face increasingly stringent time limits for terminating parental rights, and foster care agencies are rated by the city on those benchmarks.

The New York Times

Salerno relied on the restriction of detention "by the stringent time limitations of the Speedy Trial Act," it was a fault that the statute did not impose any comparable limitation.

The New York Times

At no restaurant I've ever visited do the kitchen hands or customers present the chef with a surprise ingredient, give him or her a stringent time limit and say, "Go!" "Iron Chef America" has been so successful that it has created a spinoff, "The Next Iron Chef," which will have its debut on the Food Network on Sunday night.

The New York Times - Food

Environmental campaigners in India have called for the government to implement a "stringent, time-bound" plan to curb air pollution in cities, as a new World Health Organisation report suggests that six of the 10 most polluted cities in the world are in India.

The Guardian

Among those released from detention when the more stringent time limits took effect last year were two men who had spent nearly 15 years behind bars awaiting the outcome of their trial for membership in the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Partyy, or P.K.K.. Two weeks after their release, the Appeals Court threw out the charges against them on grounds of an insufficient investigation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stringent times", consider the specific context. This phrase is most effective when describing situations marked by strict rules, economic hardship, or significant challenges. Ensure the surrounding text clarifies the nature of the stringency – is it financial, regulatory, or something else?

Common error

Avoid using "stringent times" in casual conversation or informal writing. This phrase carries a formal tone and is better suited for professional, academic, or news-related content where a sense of seriousness and constraint is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stringent times" functions as a noun phrase, where 'stringent' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'times'. It is used to describe specific periods characterized by strictness, hardship or difficulty, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Examples confirm its use in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stringent times" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase to describe periods characterized by strictness, difficulty, or hardship. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears more frequently in formal contexts such as news, media and scientific writing. While relatively rare, "stringent times" is a useful expression when you need to convey a sense of seriousness and constraint. Consider alternative phrases such as "difficult periods" or "times of austerity" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult periods

Focuses on the hardship and challenges faced.

times of hardship

Highlights the suffering and difficulties experienced.

challenging circumstances

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the situation.

hard times

A simpler, more general term for difficult periods.

times of austerity

Highlights economic hardship and reduced spending.

economic downturn

Specifically refers to a decline in economic activity.

tight economic conditions

Emphasizes financial constraints and limited resources.

restrictive eras

Focuses on limitations and controls imposed during the period.

lean years

Refers to periods of scarcity and reduced prosperity.

severe climate

Implies harsh or unfavorable conditions, whether economic, political, or social.

FAQs

How can I use "stringent times" in a sentence?

You can use "stringent times" to describe periods of economic hardship or strict regulations, for example: "During these "stringent times", many businesses have had to adapt their strategies."

What phrases are similar to "stringent times"?

Alternatives to "stringent times" include "difficult periods", "challenging circumstances", or "times of austerity", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "stringent times" formal or informal?

"Stringent times" is a relatively formal phrase. It's more suitable for academic, professional, or journalistic contexts than for casual conversation.

What is the difference between "stringent times" and "hard times"?

"Stringent times" often implies specific restrictions or regulations that cause difficulty, while "hard times" is a more general term for any period of difficulty or hardship.