time of poverty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time of poverty" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to an era in which poverty was widespread, or to a specific period of time during which a person or group experienced poverty. For example, "In the time of poverty leading up to the Great Depression, many families struggled to make ends meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Editorials compared the opulence to Hollywood sets and condemned the costs at a time of poverty among the living.

The New Yorker

Born shortly before Napoleon's demise in a time of poverty and filth Sarphati's Amsterdam was one of fading glory.

The Guardian - Travel

At the end of the 19th century, a time of poverty and economic depression, Danish farmers survived by establishing agricultural and dairy cooperatives.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One Twitter user, Rayan al-Shamri, said the move boded ill for the future: "God be with the citizens, we are back to the time of poverty".

The Guardian

"People have been impoverished and decided that having kids at a time of poverty and misery is not the right thing to do, so they cut back," Mr. Macura said in a telephone interview from Geneva.

The New York Times

The creators of "Fiddler" chose to return the audience to a happier time -- a time of poverty and hard labor, but before the terrible loss of innocence that World War II brought.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In times of poverty and struggle, people harden towards others.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some of them are leftovers from old times, times of poverty and fear.

The Guardian

I'm glad you spotted the insufficient coverage in The Times of poverty in New Orleans.

The New York Times

Nobody needs reminding how tricky it will be to find a replacement backer in these times of poverty for the Scottish game.

The Guardian - Sport

In times of poverty, horses have adapted to all sorts of food potatoes, beans, green leaves, and in Iceland even fish but such foods are not generally taken if other fare is available.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "time of poverty", consider adding descriptive details about the specific hardships experienced, such as "lack of food", "limited access to healthcare", or "high unemployment rates", to provide a more vivid and informative picture.

Common error

Avoid using "time of poverty" as a vague or overly broad term without specifying the geographical location or historical context. Always provide specific details or relevant qualifiers to ground the phrase in a clear, understandable reality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time of poverty" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as an adverbial modifier specifying when an event or condition occurred, as confirmed by Ludwig's AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "time of poverty" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that refers to a specific era characterized by widespread economic hardship. According to Ludwig, it is often used to contextualize events or conditions within a period of economic difficulty. While its frequency is classified as uncommon, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts such as news, historical accounts, and academic discussions. Alternative phrases such as ""period of economic hardship"" or ""era of destitution"" can be used to add nuance. To effectively use the phrase, be specific about the historical or geographical context to avoid vague generalizations. By understanding its usage and potential alternatives, you can ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

period of economic hardship

Focuses on the economic difficulties experienced during the time.

era of destitution

Emphasizes the extreme poverty and lack of resources.

age of impoverishment

Highlights the widespread nature of becoming poor.

season of scarcity

Focuses on the lack of essential resources during the time.

years of deprivation

Emphasizes the lack of basic necessities over a longer duration.

days of want

Evokes a sense of longing and need for basic goods.

economic depression

Highlights the broad economic downturn.

hard times

A more general term for difficult economic periods.

lean years

Suggests a period of reduced productivity and resources.

austere period

Focuses on the strict economic measures and limited resources.

FAQs

What does "time of poverty" mean?

The phrase "time of poverty" refers to a period marked by widespread economic hardship, lack of resources, and significant financial challenges for a large portion of the population.

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

You might say, "During the "period of economic hardship", many families struggled to afford basic necessities" or "The policies were enacted during a "era of destitution", aiming to alleviate widespread suffering."

What are some alternatives to "time of poverty"?

You can use alternatives like ""period of economic hardship"", ""era of destitution"", or "age of impoverishment" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "time of poverty" or "times of poverty"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "time of poverty" usually refers to a specific, continuous period, while "times of poverty" refers to multiple, distinct instances or occurrences of poverty.