times of difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

"times of difficulty" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
An example sentence could be: Although these are challenging times of difficulty, I'm determined to stay positive.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In times of difficulty you showed us the way forward to happiness and success.

The Guardian

"In times of difficulty, in times of hardship, friends stand together," Mr Sarkozy assured America's legislators.

The Economist

We expect them to be dispassionate in times of difficulty, equable and unruffled in the face of setbacks, slights, and partisan attacks.

The New Yorker

The reunification of the sculptures would be a huge shot in the arm for a nation that in times of difficulty has always stood by Britain.

The Guardian - Arts

Robert and Jonathan, another couple I know, stay sane in times of difficulty by walling themselves off; they got out of D.C. and headed to the beach.

The New York Times - Magazine

Regulators have been focusing on tackling the issue of balance sheet insolvency, he said, with bonds which can be called upon, or bailed in, during times of difficulty.

The Guardian - Business

We are going to think about it in times of difficulty, whether you feel sorry for yourself, or whether you just acknowledge it".

The New York Times

The Hainan case has already revealed more clearly the divisions, and the consequent need for deliberateness, that characterize the Chinese leadership in times of difficulty.

The New York Times

"He always said that you find your strength within yourself in times of difficulty and, when people look to you, you must never let them down.

The Guardian

Essentially, Astley is defining a 'strong poem' as something that helps us to find some kind of peace within ourselves in times of difficulty.

The Guardian

William Beveridge's vision of the welfare state was a safety net – a system that prevented people from falling into poverty at times of difficulty.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Remember to maintain a consistent tone throughout your writing. Using "times of difficulty" suggests a serious and thoughtful approach.

Common error

Avoid using "times of difficulty" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "challenging times" or "hard times" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "times of difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an adverbial to modify verbs or clauses, indicating when an action or state occurs. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "times of difficulty" is a commonly used phrase to describe challenging periods, appearing most frequently in News & Media. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and it serves to contextualize events within hardship. Alternative phrases include "challenging times" and "hard times", and avoiding overuse can improve writing clarity. Remember that while it is acceptable, understanding its nuances and context ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging times

Focuses on the demanding nature of the period, highlighting the challenges faced.

hard times

A more general term indicating hardship or adversity.

tough times

Similar to hard times, but with a slightly less formal tone.

periods of adversity

Emphasizes the state of misfortune and unfavorable circumstances.

difficult circumstances

Highlights the challenging nature of the surrounding conditions.

testing times

Emphasizes the way a situation challenges one's strength or resilience.

moments of crisis

Highlights the critical and potentially unstable nature of the situation.

troubled times

Suggests a period of unrest or disturbance.

trials and tribulations

Emphasizes the suffering and testing aspects of the experience.

crisis situations

Focuses specifically on situations involving a critical turning point or danger.

FAQs

How can I use "times of difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "times of difficulty" to describe periods of hardship or challenge. For example: "During "times of difficulty", it's important to remain resilient".

What are some alternatives to "times of difficulty"?

Alternatives include "challenging times", "hard times", or "periods of adversity", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is more appropriate, "times of difficulty" or "difficult times"?

Both "times of difficulty" and "difficult times" are grammatically correct and widely used. "Times of difficulty" might be perceived as slightly more formal, but the choice often depends on personal preference and the overall tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "times of difficulty" and "crisis situations"?

"Times of difficulty" is a more general term indicating hardship or challenge. "Crisis situations", on the other hand, refers specifically to situations involving a critical turning point or danger, implying a more immediate and potentially unstable state.