trying times

USAGE SUMMARY

"trying times" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it to describe a period of time during which something difficult has to be endured. For example: "We are going through some trying times right now, but I believe that we will make it through."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"These are trying times.

The Guardian

Trying times, indeed.

The New York Times

THESE are trying times for sanctions fans.

The Economist

Trying times call for creative measures.

The New York Times - Tech

"It was trying times in the world.

The Guardian

These are trying times for Mr. Li.

The New York Times

These are trying times for Odessa.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

THESE are trying times for the Family Buttonwood.

The Economist

Do trying times make civilians less likely to complain?

The New York Times

These are trying times for their well-clad ranks.

The New Yorker

The paychecks come despite trying times on Wall Street.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Incorporate "trying times" when discussing periods that demand patience, perseverance, and adaptability.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "trying times" without providing specific context or solutions. Overuse can diminish its impact. Instead, offer concrete actions or perspectives that demonstrate resilience and forward-thinking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying times" functions as a noun phrase, where "trying" acts as an adjective modifying "times". It's used to describe a period characterized by difficulty, hardship, or testing circumstances. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trying times" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes periods of difficulty or hardship. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. While alternatives like "difficult period" or "hard times" exist, "trying times" specifically emphasizes endurance and resilience. When using the phrase, avoid overuse and provide specific context to maximize its impact. As Ludwig's analysis shows, this phrase serves to acknowledge shared challenges and often inspires collective support.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

testing times

Highlights the aspect of being tested or challenged by the times.

hard times

A more general term for periods of adversity, less formal than "trying times".

troubled times

Focuses on the presence of trouble or distress during the period.

difficult period

Focuses on the difficulty of the time, without necessarily implying endurance.

difficult days

Simplifies the expression to refer specifically to challenging days.

challenging circumstances

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the situation, suitable for professional contexts.

uneasy period

Highlights the anxiety and uncertainty associated with the times.

adverse conditions

A more formal and impersonal way to describe difficult circumstances.

rough patch

Implies a temporary period of difficulty, often in a personal context.

crisis situation

Refers to a more acute and immediate state of emergency or difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "trying times" to describe a period of difficulty or hardship. For example, "During these "trying times", it's important to support one another".

What are some alternatives to saying "trying times"?

Alternatives include "difficult period", "hard times", or "challenging circumstances", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "try times" instead of "trying times"?

No, "try times" is not a standard or grammatically correct phrase. The correct expression is "trying times", which uses the present participle of "try" as an adjective.

What's the difference between "trying times" and "hard times"?

While both phrases refer to difficult periods, "trying times" often implies a test of endurance and resilience, whereas "hard times" is a more general term for adversity.