things are rough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things are rough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is difficult or challenging, often in a personal or emotional context. Example: "I know you're going through a tough time; things are rough right now, but I'm here for you."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

I never want to tell them when things are rough.

The New Yorker

Can you be steady when things are rough and confused?

Harvard Business Review

Private clients have been his biggest source of revenue, but things are rough right now (he has been supporting himself with his Social Security checks).

The New York Times

But it felt a bit unsettling to be reveling in these tunes, lively or lamenting, without some acknowledgment that things are rough in Istanbul at the moment.

The New York Times - Arts

The people who run this Bronx soup kitchen and an adjoining food pantry do not need economic analyses to tell them things are rough.

The New York Times

Yes, things are rough all over, whether in Buffalo (where the jobless rate is 10.5percentt), New Orleans (11percentt), San Diego (10.3percentt) or Jacksonville (11percentt), where the Jaguars are in danger of multiple blackouts.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Some of the keenest killers of little furry things are rough-palmed sons of toil.

Forbes

Things were rough, very rough".

The New York Times

In Mr. Piazza's telling, things were rough with Mr. Hudson almost from the start.

The New York Times

The Aftermath At home on Rochester's northwest side, things were rough.

The New York Times

Things were rough and goods were scarce.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "things are rough" to acknowledge a difficult situation, but follow up with support or a plan to improve things. This shows empathy and proactive thinking.

Common error

Avoid using "things are rough" repeatedly without providing specific details about the situation. This can sound vague and unhelpful. Instead, offer concrete examples or insights.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things are rough" functions as an idiomatic expression. It serves to describe a current state or situation characterized by hardship, difficulty, or general unpleasantness. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "things are rough" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a difficult or challenging situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and appropriateness in English writing. While versatile, it's essential to use it thoughtfully and provide context to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "times are hard" or "it's a struggle" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Be mindful of the audience and context, as "things are rough" tends to be more informal. Remember that following up with support, empathy, or solutions can enhance the impact of your message and show genuine understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

times are hard

Changes the focus from a general situation to a specific period.

it's a struggle

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty involved.

life is challenging

Highlights the difficulties encountered in life.

circumstances are difficult

Replaces emotional tone with a more neutral tone.

the going is tough

Uses a more idiomatic expression for hardship.

we're facing difficulties

Shifts to a collective experience of hardship.

it's an uphill battle

Emphasizes the prolonged effort needed to overcome obstacles.

we're up against it

Uses a colloquial expression for being in a difficult situation.

the situation is grim

Highlights the severity and unpleasantness of the situation.

we're having a hard time

Expresses a general sense of difficulty and distress.

FAQs

What does "things are rough" mean?

The phrase "things are rough" means that someone is currently facing a difficult or challenging situation, often related to personal, financial, or emotional hardships.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "things are rough"?

It's appropriate to use "things are rough" when acknowledging someone's struggles, expressing empathy, or describing a generally difficult state of affairs. Be mindful of the context and your relationship with the person.

What can I say instead of "things are rough"?

You can use alternatives like "times are hard", "it's a struggle", or "life is challenging" depending on the context.

Is "things are rough" a formal or informal expression?

"Things are rough" is generally considered an informal expression. In more formal settings, you might opt for phrases like "circumstances are difficult" or "we are facing difficulties".