this is a difficult period

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is a difficult period" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a challenging time in personal, professional, or societal contexts. Example: "Many families are struggling financially; this is a difficult period for them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

This is a difficult period in a part of the world that has known many.

The New York Times

This is a difficult period for our country and its people.

The Guardian

"This is a difficult period, a tough time in the country," said Bradley, 55, as he sat in a cafe overlooking the Nile one recent afternoon.

The Guardian

We recognise this is a difficult period for philosophy staff and students, and will be working with them to determine the best way forward".

The Guardian

"Anytime you lose a star like Tony, it's going to have impact and this is a difficult period for the White House," McClellan said.

The Washington Post

Some of the fault lies with Ms. Jebreal's script, which consists almost entirely of rousing thematic statements: "You are my hope," "We must continue the struggle," "This is a difficult period of transition," and so on.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

This was a difficult period for Jansch.

The Guardian - Music

This was a difficult period for Ms. Jordan.

The New York Times

Looking back, this was a difficult period in my life.

BBC

This was a difficult period for the colony as many of its citizens wanted independence.

Wikipedia

It is a difficult period.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this is a difficult period", provide context or specify the area or situation that is facing difficulties. For example: "This is a difficult period for small businesses due to the economic downturn."

Common error

Avoid using "this is a difficult period" as a standalone statement without providing further details. This can make the statement vague and lack impact. Instead, elaborate on the specific challenges or circumstances that make the period difficult.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is a difficult period" functions as a statement or observation about the present time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Examples show it used to acknowledge challenges in diverse contexts, from personal struggles to global issues.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science & Research

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this is a difficult period" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to acknowledge challenging times. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers various contextual examples. Predominantly found in News & Media, it conveys awareness and understanding of hardships, setting the stage for discussing solutions or expressing empathy. While adaptable, it maintains a neutral to professional tone, avoiding excessive informality. Alternatives include "these are challenging times" and "we are going through a tough time". Remember to provide specific context when using this phrase to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

these are challenging times

Replaces "difficult period" with a more general expression, focusing on the challenges faced.

we are going through a tough time

Shifts the focus to the experience of enduring hardship collectively.

this is a trying phase

Substitutes "difficult" with "trying" and "period" with "phase", indicating a test of endurance.

this is an uneasy chapter

Replaces "difficult period" with a metaphor referring to a troubling part of a story or history.

this is a problematic stage

Emphasizes the presence of problems and complications during this time.

we're facing hard circumstances

Highlights the external conditions causing difficulty.

this is a season of hardship

Uses a seasonal metaphor to describe a time marked by suffering and adversity.

this represents a low point

Indicates that the current situation is worse than usual.

the situation is fraught with difficulty

Emphasizes the inherent challenges and potential problems within the current situation.

this marks a spell of adversity

Highlights the unfortunate and unfavorable conditions that characterize the time.

FAQs

What does "this is a difficult period" mean?

The phrase "this is a difficult period" means that the current time is challenging and presents significant problems or hardships. It implies that things are not going smoothly and require extra effort or resilience to overcome.

What can I say instead of "this is a difficult period"?

You can use alternatives like "these are challenging times", "we are going through a tough time", or "this is a trying phase" depending on the specific context.

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

You can use "this is a difficult period" to describe a challenging situation in various contexts. For example: "This is a difficult period for our company as we navigate the economic downturn" or "This is a difficult period for the family after the loss of their loved one."

Is it appropriate to use "this is a difficult period" in formal writing?

Yes, "this is a difficult period" can be used in formal writing, especially when discussing economic downturns, organizational changes, or other challenging situations. However, ensure the tone remains professional and avoid overly emotional language.