Run into trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Run into trouble" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where someone encounters difficulties or problems unexpectedly. Example: "While trying to fix the car, I ran into trouble when I discovered a leak in the radiator."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Run into trouble?

TechCrunch

Where did you run into trouble?

The New York Times

Since then, SpinVox has run into trouble.

The New York Times - Tech

"And that's where you run into trouble".

The New York Times

That operation has run into trouble.

The New York Times

"You can run into trouble real fast".

The New York Times

Or, rather, we don't run into trouble.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even Sun has run into trouble of late.

The Economist

Arizona has run into trouble policing language in the past.

The New York Times

And even then, their work can run into trouble.

The New York Times

But Grooveshark has also run into trouble with its partners.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "run into trouble" to describe situations where problems arise unexpectedly, adding a touch of narrative flair to your writing. It's more engaging than simply stating someone "experienced a problem."

Common error

While "run into trouble" is useful, avoid relying on it too frequently. Vary your language by using synonyms like "encounter difficulties" or "face challenges" to maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run into trouble" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It describes the act of encountering or experiencing difficulties or problems. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "run into trouble" is a very common and grammatically sound idiomatic phrase used to describe encountering difficulties. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, remember to use it judiciously and consider synonyms like "encounter difficulties" or "face challenges" for variety. Be mindful not to overuse this idiom to keep your writing engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Encounter difficulties

Replaces the idiomatic "run into" with a more formal "encounter", emphasizing the act of meeting problems.

Face challenges

Focuses on the confrontation of difficult situations, rather than the unexpected arrival of problems.

Experience problems

Highlights the undergoing of problematic situations, rather than the act of encountering them.

Get into difficulty

Indicates a transition into a state of trouble, rather than an unexpected encounter.

Find oneself in a predicament

More formal and emphasizes the state of being in a difficult situation, adding a sense of complexity.

Land in hot water

Idiomatic expression implying one has gotten into a situation where they will face negative consequences.

Be in a bind

Suggests being caught in a difficult situation from which it is hard to escape.

Meet with adversity

Focuses on encountering opposition or hardship, rather than general problems.

Suffer setbacks

Highlights the experience of delays or reversals in progress, not necessarily general problems.

Come up against obstacles

Emphasizes the presence of barriers hindering progress.

FAQs

How can I use "run into trouble" in a sentence?

You can use "run into trouble" to describe encountering problems or difficulties unexpectedly. For example, "While trying to fix the car, I "ran into trouble" when I discovered a leak in the radiator."

What can I say instead of "run into trouble"?

You can use alternatives like "encounter difficulties", "face challenges", or "experience problems" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "run into trouble" or "ran into trouble"?

"Ran into trouble" is the past tense form of "run into trouble". Use "ran" when referring to a past event and "run" when discussing general possibilities or habitual actions.

What's the difference between "run into trouble" and "be in trouble"?

"Run into trouble" implies a specific event where difficulties arose, while "be in trouble" describes a continuous state of being in a problematic situation.