I need to explain the difference between having a 'terrible time', and having a 'very bad time' to non-native English speakers, but I expect these expressions to be used interchangeably.
Is there a difference?
How can I explain it in very basic language?
Best Answer
A terrible time and a very bad time can both mean the same thing, ie not enjoying yourself ("I'm having a terrible/very bad time at this baseball game"), but in a different context "A terrible time" could mean struggling ("I'm having a terrible time trying to decipher his handwriting").
This second usage sounds vaguely British to me, and I think the more common American English equivalent would be "having a hard time", or "difficult time".