trying circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

"trying circumstances" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about a difficult situation or experience, for example: "The family has been through some trying circumstances in recent years, but they are determined to stay strong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr. Goodish faces trying circumstances.

The New York Times

This will have to be accomplished under increasingly trying circumstances.

The New Yorker

The cast did potent work under trying circumstances.

The New Yorker

Fleetwood Mac's Rumours had been recorded in trying circumstances.

The Guardian - Music

Despite their trying circumstances, people greet each other warmly.

The Guardian

Remarkable illustrations of coolness under trying circumstances, as set forth in the.

The New Yorker

Geidt, the Queen's ever-discreet private secretary, would come into his own in trying circumstances.

The Guardian

They cruised through the first three rounds, two Game 4 losses hardly qualifying as trying circumstances.

The New York Times - Sports

These students will have gone through particularly trying circumstances, but that shouldn't preclude them from learning".

The Guardian

I've done the best I can under the very trying circumstances the state is facing".

The New York Times

The town's schools reflect the general sense of life being lived in trying circumstances.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trying circumstances", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives like "difficult situations" or "challenging conditions" might be more appropriate depending on whether you want to emphasize the situation itself or the challenges it presents.

Common error

While "trying circumstances" is a useful phrase, avoid relying on it too heavily as a euphemism for more specific problems. Clarity is key; sometimes, directly stating the nature of the difficulty is more effective and honest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying circumstances" functions as a noun phrase, where "trying" acts as a present participle adjective modifying the noun "circumstances." As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes situations characterized by difficulty or adversity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trying circumstances" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to describe difficult or challenging situations. As Ludwig AI highlights, its usage is considered correct and appropriate. Analysis of various sources indicates that the phrase is common in news media and also appears in scientific and formal business contexts. When writing, it's important to consider the specific context and potential alternatives, such as "difficult situations" or "challenging conditions", to ensure the most accurate and impactful communication. Be mindful of potential overuse, and ensure that the phrase genuinely enhances clarity and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult situations

Focuses on the situational aspect of the difficulty.

challenging conditions

Emphasizes the conditions causing the difficulty.

adverse conditions

Highlights the unfavorable nature of the conditions.

tough times

A more informal way of referring to a period of hardship.

hardships

Focuses on the suffering and privation experienced.

difficulties

A general term for problems or obstacles.

testing times

Highlights the aspect of being tested or challenged.

stressful situations

Emphasizes the stress and anxiety caused by the circumstances.

unfavorable circumstances

Directly states the lack of favorability.

adverse situations

Highlights the negative impact of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "trying circumstances" in a sentence?

You can use "trying circumstances" to describe a difficult or challenging situation. For example: "Despite the "trying circumstances", the team persevered and achieved their goals."

What are some synonyms for "trying circumstances"?

Alternatives to "trying circumstances" include "difficult situations", "challenging conditions", or "adverse conditions". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "trying circumstances" formal or informal?

"Trying circumstances" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more direct language may be preferred in very formal or technical writing.

How does "trying circumstances" differ from "difficult times"?

"Trying circumstances" often refers to a specific set of conditions causing difficulty, while "difficult times" typically refers to a broader period of hardship or adversity. The former is more situational, while the latter is more temporal.