tough times

USAGE SUMMARY

'tough times' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a common phrase used to describe a difficult period in someone's life. For example: "My friend has been through some tough times lately but she is staying strong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tough times?

The New York Times

Those were tough times.

Columbia University

It's tough times.

The New York Times - Sports

"These are tough times.

The New York Times

It's tough, tough times".

The New York Times - Sports

"Tough times," Lin said.

The New York Times - Sports

Tough times pass eventually.

The New York Times

A It's tough times.

The New York Times

Tough times are coming".

The New York Times

These are undeniably tough times.

The New York Times

There are tough times ahead".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tough times" to refer to a period marked by adversity, challenges, or hardship, applicable to personal, professional, or societal contexts.

Common error

While "tough times" is appropriate in many situations, avoid overuse. Vary your language with synonyms such as "challenging period" or "difficult circumstances" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough times" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a period characterized by difficulties, hardship, or adversity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Sports

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tough times" is a common and versatile expression used to describe periods of difficulty and hardship. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using "tough times", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, and explore synonyms like "challenging period" or "difficult circumstances" to avoid repetition. Be mindful of overuse and consider alternative expressions for varied language. While "tough times" is frequently seen in news and media, it also appears in academic writing and everyday conversation, making it a valuable phrase for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard times

Emphasizes the hardship and struggle associated with the period.

testing times

Highlights the way a period of hardship can put someone's resilience to the test.

rough patch

Suggests a temporary setback or a period of instability.

difficult period

Focuses on a span of hardship, highlighting the challenges encountered.

periods of hardship

Similar to "difficult period", but emphasizes the suffering or deprivation involved.

trying circumstances

Highlights the demanding nature of the situation and the strain it places on individuals.

times of adversity

Highlights the presence of opposition or misfortune.

challenging moments

Focuses on specific instances or events that are difficult to navigate.

dark days

Evokes a sense of gloom and despair associated with particularly difficult periods.

uneasy days

Underlines anxiety and insecurity, common with difficult periods.

FAQs

How can I use "tough times" in a sentence?

You can use "tough times" to describe a period of difficulty, for example: "The company faced "tough times" during the recession".

What are some alternatives to "tough times"?

Some alternatives include "hard times", "difficult period", or "challenging moments".

Is it grammatically correct to say "tough time" instead of "tough times"?

While "tough time" can be correct when referring to a specific instance, "tough times" is generally used when discussing a prolonged period of difficulty. It depends on the context.

How do "tough times" and "hard times" differ?

"Tough times" and "hard times" are largely interchangeable, but "tough times" can sometimes imply a need for resilience and perseverance, while "hard times" might emphasize the severity of the hardship.