trying period

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trying period" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenging or difficult time in someone's life or experience. Example: "After losing her job, she went through a trying period that tested her resilience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

It was a trying period.

The New Yorker

It has been a trying period for defenders of the drone.

The New York Times

Mr. Paul's heavy schedule of appearances in South Carolina has followed a trying period for him.

The New York Times

It can be a hugely trying period for students and parents.

The Guardian

The closing of the investigation provides welcome news to Mr. Gibbons in a trying period.

The New York Times

In his second stint, he steered the company through a trying period of lawsuits, fund-raising and advocacy.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

According to Professor Gilbert, people often have rosy memories of very trying periods, which may include extreme poverty or fighting in a war.

The New York Times

Both Cashman and Showalter said Girardi's career as a player who won three World Series rings with the Yankees would help him during trying periods as a manager.

The New York Times

The Victorians had spent most of the century trying on period costumes.

The New York Times - Magazine

As a result, Johnson admits he has spent the pre-game period trying to stop his players getting over-excited.

The Guardian - Sport

Tours are followed by a visit to a recreation of a period room where children can try on period clothing and play with old-fashioned toys.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trying period", provide context to explain the specific challenges or difficulties experienced during that time. For example, instead of just saying "It was a trying period", specify what made it difficult: "It was a "trying period", marked by financial instability and personal loss".

Common error

Avoid solely relying on "trying period" without offering specific details. Vague language can weaken your writing. Instead of only stating that something was a "trying period", elaborate on the nature of the challenges faced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying period" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "trying" modifies the noun "period". It describes a specific duration characterized by difficulty or hardship, functioning as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it commonly denotes a time of adversity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trying period" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a difficult or challenging time. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, especially in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to provide specific details to avoid vagueness and enhance clarity in your writing. Remember to consider the context and audience when selecting synonyms, opting for more formal alternatives like "arduous phase" in appropriate settings. By providing context and avoiding overuse, you can effectively use "trying period" to convey hardship and resilience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult time

Replaces "trying" with a more common synonym, keeping the overall meaning the same.

testing time

Replaces "trying" with "testing", emphasizing the evaluative aspect of the period.

challenging phase

Substitutes both "trying" and "period" with synonyms, altering the tone slightly.

arduous phase

Uses a more formal synonym ("arduous") for "trying", increasing the intensity.

hard spell

Uses a more informal term ("spell") to denote a period of difficulty.

troubled times

Emphasizes the presence of trouble during the specified period.

tough stretch

Employs colloquial language ("tough stretch") to convey a similar meaning.

demanding season

Uses the word "season" adding a time perspective.

critical juncture

Conveys a sense of decisive importance and challenge.

eventful moment

Shifts the focus to a specific event, rather than an extended duration.

FAQs

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

You can use "trying period" to describe a time filled with difficulties or challenges. For example: "The recession marked a "trying period" for many small businesses".

What are some alternatives to "trying period"?

Alternatives include "difficult time", "challenging phase", or "hard spell", depending on the context and level of formality you're aiming for.

Is "trying period" formal or informal?

"Trying period" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and choose synonyms like "arduous phase" for more formal settings or "tough stretch" for informal ones.

What makes a period "trying"?

A period is "trying" when it presents significant challenges, difficulties, or hardships that test one's resilience or ability to cope. These challenges can be related to personal, professional, or external circumstances.