when things get rough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when things get rough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe situations that become difficult or challenging, often in the context of support or resilience. Example: "I know that when things get rough, we can always count on each other for support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

When things get rough, go there.

The Guardian - Books

When things get rough, those traders may vanish.

The New York Times

I get very quiet when things get rough.

The New York Times

And, unlike soldiers, expats from rich countries are free to leave when things get rough.

The Economist

Many a struggling young mother turns to her own mother for help when things get rough.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lord knows we've all been tempted to retreat into fantasyland when things get rough.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

This sort of softening and receptivity will not in any way dampen your smooth-rolling acuity in the grandest of times, nor will it somehow eclipse your efficiency when things get rougher and tougher.

Huffington Post

When things got rough with her boyfriend after college, it was Brooks who drove all the way down to Atlanta and helped her pack her things.

The New Yorker

When things got rough there were many emotions that White House reporters felt about Jody, but one they never felt was contempt.

The New Yorker

I stayed when things got rough because I made that commitment.

Huffington Post

When things got rough, I'd plant my feet by the side of her bed, cling to the bedrail, and fight off the incredible urge to faint.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when things get rough" to describe situations requiring resilience and support, especially in personal or interpersonal contexts. It's effective for setting a tone of encouragement and solidarity.

Common error

Avoid using "when things get rough" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for phrases like "in times of adversity" or "when challenges arise" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when things get rough" functions as an adverbial clause, modifying a main clause by indicating the timing or condition under which a particular action or situation occurs. It sets a conditional context, suggesting that what follows is contingent upon facing difficulty. Ludwig AI indicates its widespread usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when things get rough" is a commonly used adverbial clause that sets a conditional context of difficulty or challenge. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. For more formal settings, alternative phrases like "when times are hard" or "in times of adversity" may be more appropriate. Remember to avoid overuse in highly formal writing and focus on encouraging solidarity and resilience when using the phrase. The analysis shows it’s understood across different registers, but its usage is slightly more inclined towards informal settings, offering a neutral to informal communication style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when times are hard

Replaces "things" with "times" and "rough" with "hard", focusing on difficult periods.

when the going gets tough

A more idiomatic alternative, emphasizing the increasing difficulty of a situation.

when things become difficult

Substitutes "rough" with "difficult", offering a more straightforward expression.

in times of adversity

Uses more formal language to describe challenging situations.

when challenges arise

Focuses on the emergence of difficulties or obstacles.

when difficulties present themselves

Highlights the appearance of problems needing resolution.

when problems occur

Simplifies the phrase to focus on the occurrence of issues.

when circumstances are challenging

Uses a more descriptive approach to emphasize difficult circumstances.

under duress

Implies a state of coercion or stress due to difficult conditions.

in the face of adversity

Emphasizes confronting and dealing with difficult situations directly.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "when things get rough"?

You can use alternatives like "when times are hard", "when the going gets tough", or "in times of adversity depending on the context".

Is "when things get rough" appropriate for formal writing?

While "when things get rough" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal or conversational contexts. In formal writing, consider more sophisticated alternatives like "when circumstances are challenging" or "during difficult times".

What does "when things get rough" imply?

"When things get rough" implies a situation has become challenging or difficult, often requiring resilience, effort, or support to overcome. It suggests a need for perseverance in the face of adversity.

Which is more common, "when things get rough" or "when times are tough"?

Both phrases are quite common, but "when things get rough" tends to be slightly more informal and personal. "When times are tough" may be used in broader contexts such as economic downturns or societal challenges.