through this rough patch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "through this rough patch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a difficult or challenging period in someone's life or situation. Example: "We are committed to supporting each other through this rough patch in our relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Jon Leibowitz from the Federal Trade Commission suggests that maybe they can help our biz through this rough patch.

The Guardian

There was a determination to many of the messages, a conviction to push through this rough patch and make the most of it.

The New York Times - Arts

Such domestically focused companies are worth owning "if you feel that there's a decent probability that we'll make it through this rough patch," Mr. Fording said.

The New York Times

"I'm confident we can get through this rough patch, and one way to do it is for Congress and the administration to work collaboratively and get this deal done".

The New York Times

Redemptions through September were low, somewhere in the neighborhood of 2 to 3 percent of overall assets, according to an investor, as fund devotees stick with Mr. Paulson through this rough patch.

The New York Times

I told him that there was no way Brazil could stick by its ban on foreign computers, given the country's need to modernize, but that I needed help to get through this rough patch.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Getting through the rough patch took months.

The New York Times

The Emerson appears to have come through that rough patch.

The New York Times

The team's psyche has surely been tested and is fragile through this very rough patch.

The Guardian - Sport

From the first day of spring training through this recent rough patch, Cameron has kept the Mets upbeat and enthusiastic.

The New York Times - Sports

But for these people, they're going to go through a rough patch where all this information shows up and they can't quite figure out what to do".

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "through this rough patch", consider the specific context to ensure the level of difficulty implied by the phrase is appropriate.

Common error

While "through this rough patch" is acceptable, avoid overuse. Vary your language by using alternatives like "challenging time" or "difficult period" to keep your writing fresh and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "through this rough patch" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the manner or circumstance in which an action is carried out, specifically during a difficult time. As seen in Ludwig, this often expresses support, hope, or resilience.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "through this rough patch" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to convey support, empathy, or hope during a challenging time. Analysis of Ludwig's examples, primarily drawn from News & Media sources, indicates its neutral register and suitability for general communication. Alternatives like "challenging time" or "difficult period" offer similar meanings and can prevent overuse of the phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and can be used in both written and spoken English in numerous contexts. As with any expression, it is important to be mindful of the context and tailor your language accordingly to be most effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make it through this trying time

This phrase replaces "rough patch" with "trying time", giving emphasis on stress or patience being tested.

navigate this challenging period

This alternative replaces "rough patch" with "challenging period" and "through" with "navigate" offering a more formal tone.

weather this difficult situation

This alternative uses "weather" as a verb to convey enduring through the problem, and replaces "rough patch" with "difficult situation".

get past this hurdle

This alternative presents the difficulty as a barrier to jump over, "hurdle", indicating progress and forward momentum.

overcome this obstacle

This focuses on conquering the problem, swapping "through" with "overcome" and "rough patch" with "obstacle".

endure this hardship

This alternative emphasizes the suffering involved, replacing "rough patch" with "hardship" and implying a test of resilience.

survive this crisis

This alternative suggests a more severe situation, replacing "rough patch" with "crisis" emphasizing a threat to stability.

rise above this adversity

This alternative suggests triumph over unfavorable circumstances, "adversity", implying a victory in spite of challenges.

pass through this tribulation

This option uses a stronger term, "tribulation", suggesting a period of suffering or testing, and replaces "get through" with "pass through".

come out stronger from this experience

This alternative emphasizes the potential for personal growth, shifting the focus to the aftermath and positive change that could derive from a hard time.

FAQs

How can I use "through this rough patch" in a sentence?

You can use "through this rough patch" to offer support or express hope during a difficult time. For instance, "I know you're going "through this rough patch", but things will get better".

What can I say instead of "through this rough patch"?

You can use alternatives like "challenging time", "difficult period", or "trying time" depending on the context.

Is "through this rough patch" formal or informal?

"Through this rough patch" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. It's suitable for most conversations and writings, but may be too casual for highly formal settings.

What does it mean to "get through a rough patch"?

To "get through a rough patch" means to successfully navigate and overcome a difficult or challenging period in one's life, career, or relationship.