troublesome times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "troublesome times" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe periods of difficulty, distress, or challenges in various contexts, such as personal, social, or historical situations. Example: "During the troublesome times of the pandemic, many people struggled with isolation and uncertainty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

And these are certainly troublesome times.

The Economist

FOR China's would-be steel barons, these are troublesome times.

The Economist

"These are troublesome times," he said to me.

The New Yorker

It's only right for a business to evolve in troublesome times.

The Guardian - Opinion

Let's not forget, though, that Vikings are still Vikings, and during troublesome times they're prone to a bit of swiping.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

These are troublesome times and the links between morality and capitalism, post-crash, could not be clearer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

I don't need to remind you what a troublesome time that was for so many people.

Independent

Fulham had been unfortunate, he suggested, to run into Reading and now Blackburn - "very efficient teams" - at this troublesome time.

The Guardian - Sport

Disclosure of her report, which was distributed to Acorn and 10 affiliates, increases pressure on the organization at a particularly troublesome time.

The New York Times

Woods has endured an infamously troublesome time as a Ryder Cup player but while injured this time, the USA captain Davis Love III asked him to become a member of the backroom staff.

The Guardian - Sport

"It is a very troublesome time," said Dr. Anthony Meyer, who is on the advisory board of Project Benjamin, a program on sexual abuse by clergy that Archbishop Weakland set up in 1989.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "troublesome times", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. It suggests more than just difficulty; it implies a period marked by problems and potential disruption. Choose alternatives like "difficult period" or "challenging era" if the disruption aspect is not central.

Common error

While "troublesome times" is acceptable, overuse in formal or academic writing can make your tone sound less professional. Opt for alternatives such as "challenging circumstances" or "adverse conditions" to maintain a more sophisticated style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "troublesome times" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "troublesome" modifies the noun "times". It describes a specific period or era characterized by difficulties and challenges. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "troublesome times" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe periods marked by difficulty and adversity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While versatile, consider the context and register. For more formal settings, alternatives like "challenging circumstances" or "adverse conditions" may be more appropriate. The phrase is most frequently used in news and media, and to a lesser extent in scientific and wiki contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a period of significant problems or disruptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult period

Focuses on the challenging nature of a specific duration.

challenging era

Emphasizes the difficulties inherent to a particular epoch.

adverse circumstances

Highlights the unfavorable conditions present.

hard times

A more colloquial expression for difficult circumstances.

trying circumstances

Stresses the testing or straining aspect of the situation.

testing times

Emphasizes the quality of putting someone or something to the test.

periods of adversity

Highlights the state or condition marked by misfortune or unfavorable circumstances.

times of hardship

Underlines the suffering and privation involved.

crises

Uses a stronger word for a time of intense difficulty or danger.

turbulent moments

Captures a sense of instability and disturbance.

FAQs

What does "troublesome times" mean?

"Troublesome times" refers to periods characterized by difficulties, problems, and potential disruption. It suggests more than mere inconvenience, implying a state of adversity and challenges.

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

You can use "troublesome times" to describe situations like: "During these "troublesome times", many businesses are struggling to stay afloat" or "The government is implementing new policies to help citizens cope with the "troublesome times"."

What are some alternatives to "troublesome times"?

Some alternatives to "troublesome times" include "difficult period", "challenging era", or "adverse circumstances". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "troublesome times" formal or informal?

"Troublesome times" falls in a neutral to slightly informal register. While acceptable in many contexts, more formal alternatives like "challenging circumstances" or "adverse conditions" may be preferred in academic or professional writing.