this difficult period

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this difficult period" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a challenging or tough time in someone's life or a specific situation. Example: "Many people have struggled to cope with the challenges presented during this difficult period."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Norman's courage was infinite and his tremendous endurance during this difficult period amazed everyone.

The New York Times

My Mum and I became like best friends during this difficult period.

The Guardian - Sport

I now ask that you honor my privacy during this difficult period.

The New York Times

In this difficult period for the Parliament, there are other crumbs of comfort.

The Guardian

He asks who I turned to for help during this difficult period.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Once we get out of this difficult period, those companies will be extraordinarily profitable".

The New York Times

I'm extremely proud of how the ICA has dealt with this difficult period".

The Guardian

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family during this difficult period.

The New York Times

"Our strategy is to innovate our way through this difficult period.

The New York Times

Throughout this difficult period it appeared Lubitz was getting regular medical help.

The Guardian

The aid, he said, is not intended to "solve the problem, but to help them get through this difficult period".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this difficult period", ensure the context clearly defines what period you are referring to. Be specific if possible to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "this difficult period" without providing specific details about the nature of the difficulty or its impact. Vague statements can weaken your message. Instead, add details that contextualize the statement. For example, instead of 'we are grateful for your support during "this difficult period"', try 'we are grateful for your support during this economic downturn'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this difficult period" functions as a noun phrase, where 'difficult' modifies 'period'. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. It typically acts as a subject or object within a sentence, specifying a time frame marked by challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this difficult period" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a challenging time frame. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and widespread. Predominantly found in News & Media, this phrase serves to contextualize events within a span marked by adversity. For alternative wording, consider phrases like "this challenging time" or "this tough time". When employing this phrase, ensure context is clear, and avoid overuse without specific details. By understanding its function and usage patterns, writers can effectively convey hardship and resilience in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this challenging time

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging", softening the tone slightly while retaining the core meaning.

this tough time

Substitutes "difficult" with "tough", indicating resilience is needed to overcome the situation.

this hard time

Replaces "difficult" with "hard", emphasizing the effort required to endure the period.

this trying period

Uses "trying" instead of "difficult", highlighting the testing nature of the situation.

this stressful time

Focuses on the stress associated with the period, rather than just the difficulty.

this problematic phase

Shifts from "period" to "phase", suggesting a stage with specific problems.

this adverse time

Replaces "difficult" with "adverse", giving a more formal and negative connotation.

this critical juncture

Changes the focus to a pivotal moment that is also difficult.

this period of hardship

Emphasizes the suffering associated with the difficult time.

this time of adversity

Highlights the challenging and unfavorable conditions of the period.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "this difficult period"?

You can use alternatives such as "this challenging time", "this tough time", or "this hard time" depending on the context.

How can I use "this difficult period" in a sentence?

Use "this difficult period" to refer to a specific challenging or tough time. For example, "Many companies struggled during "this difficult period" of economic recession."

Is "this difficult period" formal or informal?

"This difficult period" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in neutral to formal settings like news reports and business communications.

What's the difference between "this difficult period" and "this difficult time"?

The phrases "this difficult period" and "this difficult time" are largely interchangeable. "Period" might suggest a more defined duration, but they're often used with the same meaning.