time of hardship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'time of hardship' is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you could use the sentence "The family faced a time of hardship after the death of their father."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

You need to build the initiative, particularly in a time of hardship".

The New York Times

At a time of hardship, working on a vegetable patch is preferable.

The Economist

It is true that many public employee unions have done well during a time of hardship for most Americans.

The New York Times

Voodoo aside, Mills, the fan club president, said he thinks this time of hardship could be an important one for the Nationals' evolving fan base.

The Washington Post

It is a time of dark satanic mills, a time of hardship and toil, all presided over by the perpetually grinning Kenneth Branagh.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, despite the building resistance to migration, for a vast majority of Europe's workers a common labor market has not lived up to its promise, and even less so in a time of hardship.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

In times of hardship we need it more than ever.

The Guardian - Books

And we support each other in times of hardship.

The Guardian

In times of hardship, collaboration and generosity are key.

The Guardian

From the day we met, you always stood by me in times of hardship and happiness".

Independent

"Americans like to think that they look after their own, especially in times of hardship.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "time of hardship", provide specific details to illustrate the nature and extent of the challenges faced.

Common error

Avoid vague descriptions of a "time of hardship". Instead, specify the exact nature of the difficulties experienced, such as financial struggles, health issues, or social injustices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time of hardship" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a period characterized by difficulty, suffering, or adversity. Ludwig examples illustrate this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "time of hardship" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe periods marked by significant challenges and suffering. Ludwig's analysis of various sources confirms its appropriateness across different contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. While it maintains a neutral register, it's crucial to provide specific details when using the phrase to avoid vagueness and enhance the impact of your writing. Consider related phrases like "time of adversity" or "difficult period" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time of adversity

Emphasizes the challenging and unfavorable circumstances experienced.

period of privation

Emphasizes the lack of basic necessities and comforts.

time of suffering

Directly refers to the experience of pain and distress.

period of struggle

Highlights the effort and difficulty involved in overcoming challenges.

challenging times

Generalizes the difficulty without specifying the nature of the hardship.

testing times

Suggests a period that evaluates one's resilience and strength.

difficult period

Focuses on the challenging aspect of the time, omitting the specific connotation of suffering.

crisis period

Highlights the urgency and potential danger of the situation.

austere times

Focuses on the strictness and lack of comfort during the period.

economic downturn

Specifically refers to economic difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "time of hardship" in a sentence?

You can use "time of hardship" to describe a period marked by significant challenges or difficulties. For example: "The family faced a "time of hardship" after losing their home".

What are some synonyms for "time of hardship"?

Alternatives to "time of hardship" include "time of adversity", "difficult period", or "period of struggle", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "time of hardship" or "times of hardship"?

Both "time of hardship" and "times of hardship" are correct. "Time of hardship" refers to a specific instance, while "times of hardship" refers to multiple instances or a recurring condition.

What's the difference between "time of hardship" and "time of difficulty"?

While both phrases refer to challenging periods, "time of hardship" typically implies a more severe and prolonged period of suffering or deprivation, whereas "time of difficulty" can refer to any challenging situation.