trying situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trying situation" is correct and usable in written English to refer to a difficult or troublesome situation.
For example, "The pandemic has been a trying situation for us all."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"That facility was a very trying situation," Mr. Street recalled.

The New York Times

It was a trying situation for them all, but perhaps especially for Shereshevsky's wife, Aida.

The New Yorker

“Humor helps people open up and see the funny side of what can be a very trying situation,” said Tolentino.

University of California, Berkeley

Thinking of that drug as 'red sunshine' helped me see the positive side of a trying situation".

The New York Times - Health

Yard Goats Manager Darin Everson said playing in Norwich made an already trying situation worse, not better.

The New York Times - Sports

"Those 10 minutes represent the entire trying situation that this city was thrown into after the attacks," Mr. Kocache says.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"He slept and slept in trying situations".

The New Yorker

She's used these trying situations to strengthen her work.

Vice

I'm all for trying situations where someone wants me to be more dom.

Vice

Both he and his wife have been known to utter an expletive or two in trying situations.

Huffington Post

Tell yourself you've gotten through trying situations before and that you will get through this one in much the same way.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "trying situation", be specific about the challenges it presents and the impact it has on those involved. Provide context to help readers understand the difficulty.

Common error

While "trying situation" is acceptable, avoid using it repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "difficult circumstances" or "challenging situation" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying situation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "trying" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "situation". It's used to describe a state or condition that presents difficulties or challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trying situation" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe challenging or difficult circumstances. Ludwig AI validates this, confirming its widespread use across diverse contexts. It's frequently encountered in news and media, academic writing, and scientific publications, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, remember to be specific about the difficulties involved and consider using synonyms to avoid repetition. Overall, it's a reliable choice for conveying hardship in various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult circumstances

Focuses on the external conditions contributing to the difficulty.

challenging situation

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the situation.

tough predicament

Highlights the problematic and potentially inescapable nature of the situation.

unfavorable conditions

Focuses on the negative aspects and potential disadvantages.

stressful circumstances

Highlights the emotional and mental strain caused by the situation.

testing circumstances

Indicates that the situation is evaluating or challenging one's abilities.

arduous situation

Emphasizes the effort and perseverance required to navigate the situation.

demanding scenario

Highlights the high level of requirements and expectations.

awkward situation

Focuses on the uncomfortable or embarrassing nature of the situation.

delicate situation

Emphasizes the need for careful handling and sensitivity.

FAQs

What does "trying situation" mean?

A "trying situation" refers to a difficult, troublesome, or testing set of circumstances that can cause stress or hardship.

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

You might say, "The unexpected job loss created a very "trying situation" for the family" or "Navigating the pandemic has been a "trying situation" for everyone".

What are some synonyms for "trying situation"?

Alternatives include "difficult circumstances", "challenging situation", "tough predicament", or "stressful circumstances".

Is it appropriate to use "trying situation" in formal writing?

Yes, "trying situation" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, depending on the context. More formal alternatives might include "unfavorable conditions" or "delicate situation".