experience a difficult phase
/ɪkˈspɪəriəns ə ˈdɪfɪkəlt feɪz/
Meaning
To go through a temporary period of trouble, challenges, or instability. In relationships, this phrase is used to describe a time when partners, friends, or family members are struggling to get along or facing external stress, with the expectation that the period will eventually pass. The tone is empathetic and objective.
Examples
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Every long-term relationship will experience a difficult phase at some point.
Every long-term relationship will experience a difficult phase at some point.
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Our company is experiencing a difficult phase due to the recent market changes.
Our company is experiencing a difficult phase due to the recent market changes.
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They are experiencing a difficult phase in their marriage, but they are going to counseling.
They are experiencing a difficult phase in their marriage, but they are going to counseling.
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During my teenage years, my relationship with my parents experienced a difficult phase.
During my teenage years, my relationship with my parents experienced a difficult phase.
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It's normal for new friendships to experience a difficult phase as people adjust to each other.
It's normal for new friendships to experience a difficult phase as people adjust to each other.
Common Mistakes
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✗ Their marriage is experiencing a difficult face.
✓ Their marriage is experiencing a difficult phase.
"Phase" (a stage or period) is often misspelled or confused with "face" due to pronunciation similarities.
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✗ We are experiencing about a difficult phase.
✓ We are experiencing a difficult phase.
"Experience" is a transitive verb here and does not take a preposition like "about".
Related Expressions
Practice
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Many start-ups ___ during their first year of operation.
💡 Go through a tough period.
Show answer
experience a difficult phase
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Although they are ___ right now, they still love each other.
💡 Use the continuous (-ing) form of the verb.
Show answer
experiencing a difficult phase