ugly time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ugly time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period that is unpleasant, difficult, or marked by negative events or emotions. Example: "During the ugly time of the pandemic, many people faced significant challenges and hardships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"It was an ugly, ugly time.

The New Yorker

"That was an ugly time in Boston," he said.

The New York Times

It's a suitably ugly look for an ugly time.

The New York Times

"No" is an ugly looking movie – literally – for an ugly time.

The New York Times

Veterans and internees are dying, and so is the memory of that ugly time.

The New York Times

It's an ugly time, and all of Obama's bipartisan outreach has been for naught.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

"These are ugly times," he said.

The New York Times

The cancer is gone; the ugly times are banished.

The New York Times - Magazine

In these ugly times, this too may be worth remembering.

The New York Times - Arts

He was a rare and precious flower, simply not cut out for these ugly times.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ladivine is a haunting, melancholy and immaculately translated novel, a thing of beauty for ugly times.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ugly time" to vividly describe periods marked by significant negativity, hardship, or unpleasantness. It's particularly effective when conveying the emotional impact of historical events or personal experiences.

Common error

Avoid using "ugly time" in highly formal or academic writing, as it can come across as too informal or subjective. Opt for more neutral terms like "difficult period" or "challenging era" in these settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ugly time" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "ugly" modifies the noun "time". This phrase is used to describe a period characterized by unpleasantness, hardship, or negativity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ugly time" is a grammatically correct and relatively common expression used to describe periods marked by unpleasantness or hardship. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It functions as a noun phrase, with the adjective "ugly" modifying "time", and is frequently found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it is advisable to avoid it in overly formal writing. Alternatives like "difficult period" or "challenging era" may be more suitable for academic or professional settings. The phrase effectively conveys the negative emotions associated with such periods, making it impactful in descriptive writing and discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult period

Focuses on the hardship and challenges experienced.

challenging era

Highlights the difficulties associated with a particular period.

unpleasant phase

Emphasizes the disagreeable nature of the time.

dark chapter

Suggests a period marked by misfortune or sadness.

tough spell

Indicates a period of hardship or adversity.

trying moment

Focuses on the testing or difficult aspects of a specific point in time.

grim period

Highlights the bleak and severe nature of the time.

rough patch

Describes a period of difficulty or trouble.

bad phase

Emphasizes the negative and undesirable nature of the period.

unhappy days

Focuses on the sadness and discontent experienced during the time.

FAQs

How can I use "ugly time" in a sentence?

You can use "ugly time" to describe a period marked by unpleasantness or difficulty, such as: "The recession was an "ugly time" for many families."

What are some alternatives to "ugly time"?

Alternatives to "ugly time" include "difficult period", "challenging era", or "unpleasant phase", depending on the specific context.

Is "ugly time" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "ugly time" might be considered too informal for highly formal or academic writing. More neutral terms are generally preferred in those contexts.

What makes "ugly time" a strong phrase to use?

"Ugly time" is a strong phrase because it vividly conveys the negative emotions and hardships associated with a particular period, making it impactful in descriptive writing.