tough time

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "tough time" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is a common phrase used to describe a difficult or challenging period or experience. You can use it in a variety of contexts, such as personal experiences, current events, or fictional stories. For example: - "I've been going through a tough time lately with my job search." - "Many families are facing tough times due to the economic downturn." - "The protagonist of the novel overcomes many tough times before ultimately finding true happiness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Tough time".

The New York Times

Tough time for Jesus.

The New Yorker

It's just a tough time.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a tough time.

Forbes

"He's having a tough time".

The New York Times

"He went through a tough time.

The New York Times - Sports

I grew up at a tough time.

The New York Times

"Smaller players are having a tough time".

The New York Times

"It's definitely been a tough time.

Independent

Smaller lenders will have a tough time".

The Economist

"I'm having a really tough time".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tough time", consider the specific context to choose the most appropriate synonym if you want to add nuance or specificity to your writing. For example, "challenging phase" might be better suited to a situation where there's an opportunity for growth, while "hardship" emphasizes suffering.

Common error

While "tough time" is widely understood, avoid overuse in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language, such as "period of adversity" or "challenging circumstances", to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough time" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a period characterized by difficulty, hardship, or adversity, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tough time" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a period of difficulty or hardship. Ludwig AI indicates its appropriateness across various contexts, though formal writing may benefit from more precise alternatives. The phrase frequently appears in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, serving to express empathy or acknowledge challenging situations. Understanding its nuances and considering context-appropriate synonyms can enhance writing precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult period

Focuses on the nature of the time being challenging, rather than directly implying suffering.

challenging phase

Highlights the demanding nature of the period, often suggesting an opportunity for growth.

hardship

Emphasizes the suffering and difficulty experienced during the time.

period of adversity

A more formal way to describe a time filled with challenges and misfortune.

time of struggle

Highlights the effort and difficulty involved in overcoming obstacles during that period.

rough patch

Suggests a temporary period of difficulty, implying that it will eventually improve.

trying circumstances

Focuses on the challenging conditions and situations faced during the time.

ordeal

Implies a particularly painful or difficult experience, often with a sense of endurance.

crisis

Suggests a critical or urgent situation that requires immediate attention.

downturn

Indicates a decline or negative trend, often in economic or personal circumstances.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "tough time"?

Alternatives include "difficult period", "challenging phase", or "time of struggle", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "tough time" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "tough time" can sound informal. For formal contexts, consider "period of adversity" or "challenging circumstances".

How does "tough time" differ from "hard time"?

"Tough time" and "hard time" are often interchangeable. However, "tough time" might subtly imply resilience or endurance, whereas "hard time" can emphasize the difficulty itself.

Can "tough time" be used to describe economic conditions?

Yes, "tough time" is commonly used to describe economic downturns or financial hardships. For example, "Many businesses are facing a "difficult period" due to the recession".