troubled period

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "troubled period" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a time characterized by difficulties, challenges, or unrest, often in a personal, social, or historical context. Example: "The country went through a troubled period marked by economic instability and social unrest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some bets during that troubled period, however, paid off.

The New York Times

General McChrystal's command substantially overlaps this troubled period.

The New York Times

It was a particularly troubled period in Monroe's life.

The New York Times

In that troubled period, it took eight years before the United States Government intervened directly.

The New York Times

The killings continue a troubled period for the Auburn athletic department.

The New York Times

He had been going through a troubled period in his life.

The New York Times - Sports

Many of those people were there for him in his troubled period.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

During this troubled period, Bruce Clark became the first Director of the Museum of Paleontology in 1921.

University of California, Berkeley

He became a member of Jomo Kenyatta's Kenya National Union during the troubled period of the Mau-Mau emergency.

The Guardian

Executives say the interior construction industry, which builds offices, stores and apartments, is headed into another troubled period.

The New York Times

Chaplin distanced himself from The Circus for many years, as the film reflected a troubled period in his life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "troubled period", ensure the context clearly defines what makes the period troubled. Provide specific examples of the challenges or difficulties involved to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "troubled period" as a vague or generic descriptor. Instead, ground the phrase by providing tangible examples of the difficulties or challenges that characterize the specified time. For example, instead of "the company went through a troubled period", specify "the company went through a troubled period marked by declining sales and increased debt".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "troubled period" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "troubled" modifies the noun "period". According to Ludwig, this phrase is frequently used to describe a span of time marked by adversity or difficulty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "troubled period" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to describe a time marked by difficulties, unrest, or challenges. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is widely used in contexts like News & Media, Academia, and Encyclopedias. While versatile, it's most effective when paired with specific details that illuminate the particular problems characterizing the "troubled period". Alternatives such as "difficult time" or "challenging phase" may suit some situations, but "troubled period" effectively conveys a sense of significant disruption or adversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult time

Replaces "period" with "time", offering a more general term for hardship.

challenging phase

Substitutes "troubled" with "challenging" and "period" with "phase", softening the negative connotation.

unsettled era

Replaces "troubled" with "unsettled" and "period" with "era", emphasizing instability on a larger scale.

turbulent times

Substitutes "troubled" with "turbulent", highlighting the chaotic nature of the period.

crisis point

Implies a turning point of intense difficulty, focusing on a specific moment within a broader troubled time.

hardship days

Replaces "troubled" with "hardship" and "period" with "days", emphasizing suffering.

dark chapter

Offers a metaphorical description, suggesting a negative and memorable part of a story or history.

adverse circumstances

Uses more formal language to describe the unfavorable conditions of the period.

time of adversity

Replaces "troubled" with the more formal "adversity", emphasizing hardship and suffering.

grim phase

Substitutes "troubled" with "grim", conveying a sense of seriousness and negativity.

FAQs

How can I use "troubled period" in a sentence?

You can use "troubled period" to describe a time marked by difficulties, challenges, or unrest. For instance, "The nation experienced a "troubled period" during the economic recession".

What are some alternatives to "troubled period"?

Alternatives include "difficult time", "challenging phase", or "turbulent times", each offering a slightly different nuance depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "troubled period" or "difficult period"?

Both "troubled period" and "difficult period" are correct, but "troubled" suggests more significant unrest or disruption than simply "difficult". The best choice depends on the specific gravity of the situation you're describing.

What distinguishes "troubled period" from "crisis"?

While both terms describe challenging situations, a ""troubled period"" is a longer duration marked by ongoing difficulties, while a "crisis" typically refers to a more acute and immediate event or turning point.