this painful time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this painful time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a difficult or distressing period in someone's life or experience. Example: "During this painful time, it's important to lean on friends and family for support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"It helped me through this painful time.

Independent

At this painful time, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Dan and his family.

The New York Times

We'd ask at this painful time that our privacy be respected".

Independent

I cannot imagine what they must be going through at this painful time.

The Guardian

Our thoughts and prayers are with Jack and Valerie and their family at this painful time.

The New York Times

I'm deeply saddened by this turn of events and my thoughts are with Governor Spitzer's family during this painful time.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

During that painful time, Richie – improbable as it may seem – became a symbol for her freedom.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She was my last live connection to the desert, to that painful time of soul searching.

Huffington Post

Our love and prayers are with the Rosenberg family during this very painful time.

The New York Times

"I personally met with many of the families throughout the week and share their grief at this very painful time".

The New York Times

In a longer statement, the company added: "Our prayers go out to all the loved ones of the 226 passengers and of our 13 friends and colleagues at this enormously painful time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this painful time", consider the audience and adjust your language to be sensitive and respectful. Avoid overly dramatic or insensitive phrasing.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "this painful time" as a stock phrase. Instead, provide specific details or emotions to add depth and sincerity to your writing. For example, instead of just saying "This was a painful time", describe what made it painful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this painful time" functions as a noun phrase acting as a temporal reference, specifically denoting a period characterized by suffering or distress. Ludwig examples show it commonly appears in contexts where condolences or sympathy are expressed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this painful time" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to refer to a period marked by distress or suffering. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves to acknowledge hardship and offer empathy, often appearing in news reports, formal statements, and personal expressions of sympathy. While versatile, writers should avoid overuse and consider more specific language to convey genuine emotion. Alternatives like "this difficult period" or "this challenging moment" can provide subtle variations in meaning. "This painful time" appears most frequently in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this period of suffering

Directly states the presence of pain and hardship.

this difficult period

Replaces "painful" with a more general term for hardship.

this challenging moment

Substitutes "painful time" with a focus on the demanding nature of the situation.

this distressing experience

Emphasizes the mental or emotional suffering involved.

this trying ordeal

Highlights the test or trial aspect of the period.

this sorrowful occasion

Focuses on the sadness or grief associated with the time.

these hard times

Uses the plural form to describe a broader, challenging era.

this adverse situation

Highlights the unfavorable or negative aspects of the circumstances.

this unfortunate episode

Refers to the time as a distinct and regrettable event.

this grim chapter

Metaphorically describes the time as a dark or unpleasant part of a larger story.

FAQs

How can I use "this painful time" in a sentence?

You can use "this painful time" to refer to a period of hardship or distress. For example: "During "this painful time", it's important to seek support."

What are some alternatives to "this painful time"?

Alternatives include "this difficult period", "this challenging moment", or "this distressing experience", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "this painful time" in formal writing?

Yes, "this painful time" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when expressing sympathy or acknowledging hardship. However, ensure the tone remains respectful and avoid overly emotional language.

What's the difference between "this painful time" and "these hard times"?

"This painful time" typically refers to a specific, individual experience of suffering, while "these hard times" often describes a broader, more general period of difficulty affecting many people.