a string of troubles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a string of troubles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a series of problems or difficulties that someone is experiencing. Example: "After losing his job, he faced a string of troubles that seemed never-ending, including financial issues and health problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But he has had a string of troubles this season.

The New York Times - Sports

The airline's stock has tumbled over the last two years amid a string of troubles.

The New York Times

The ban is the latest in a string of troubles for the lender and the payday loans sector more widely.

The Guardian - Money

The problems with the spacecraft are the latest in a string of troubles for Russia's space efforts, including the failure in August of a Soyuz rocket — the type that, with the end of the shuttle program, NASA now depends on to send astronauts and supplies to the International Space Station.

The New York Times - Science

She'll benefit from the help repairing Facebook's brand after a string of troubles ranging from Cambridge Analytica to election interference, slowing user growth to worries that too much Facebooking can hurt our well-being.

TechCrunch

The accusation is the latest in a string of troubles for the rapper, who was arrested three times for various driving infractions in 2013.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The deployment is seen as a success story in the making for the United Nations after a string of troubled peacekeeping missions in Africa.

The New York Times

The case marks the latest in a string of legal troubles for Berlusconi.

The Guardian

Berlusconi's influence in Italy has waned in recent years following a string of legal troubles.

The Guardian

The arrest is the latest in a string of legal troubles plaguing Contostavlos's friends and family.

Independent

Rangers, who have suddenly been beset by a string of personnel troubles, do not have the finance to bring in January back-up.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a string of troubles", consider the context and choose synonyms that more precisely reflect the specific nature of the difficulties involved, such as "setbacks" or "misfortunes".

Common error

Avoid using "a string of troubles" in situations where more specific and descriptive language would better convey the nature and impact of the problems. Vague language dilutes the message.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "a string of troubles" is to act as a noun phrase that functions as the subject complement or object of a verb, often describing a sequence of negative events. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a string of troubles" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe a series of unfortunate events or difficulties. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English, although it is relatively uncommon. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to convey a sense of misfortune and adversity. While grammatically sound, writers should consider more specific synonyms to precisely reflect the nature of the difficulties involved, and avoid overuse in situations where more descriptive language is warranted. Alternatives such as "a series of problems" or "a succession of difficulties" offer similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of problems

Emphasizes the sequential nature of the difficulties, focusing on 'problems' as a general term.

a chain of misfortunes

Highlights the unfortunate and adverse nature of the events, suggesting a sense of bad luck.

a run of bad luck

Focuses specifically on luck as the cause of the troubles, implying chance or fate.

a succession of difficulties

Stresses the successive and challenging aspects of the situation, implying a struggle.

a litany of woes

Suggests a prolonged and mournful account of the troubles, often implying a sense of complaint.

a catalog of disasters

Implies significant and calamitous events, highlighting the severity of the troubles.

a sequence of setbacks

Focuses on the obstructive nature of the events, implying progress is being hindered.

a chapter of accidents

Highlights unexpected and undesirable events.

an accumulation of hardships

Emphasizes the building up of difficulties, suggesting a cumulative burden.

a streak of adversity

Focuses on the challenging and unfavorable nature of the events, implying a period of hardship.

FAQs

How can I use "a string of troubles" in a sentence?

You can use "a string of troubles" to describe a series of unfortunate events or difficulties someone is experiencing. For example, "The company faced "a string of troubles" after the new regulations were implemented."

What can I say instead of "a string of troubles"?

You can use alternatives like "a series of problems", "a chain of misfortunes", or "a succession of difficulties" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a string of troubles" or "a series of trouble"?

"A string of troubles" is correct. "Troubles" is the plural form, indicating multiple problems. "Trouble" is typically used as an uncountable noun in this context.

What's the difference between "a string of troubles" and "a string of incidents"?

"A string of troubles" implies a series of problems or difficulties, while "a string of incidents" refers to a series of events, which may or may not be negative. The former conveys a sense of misfortune, whereas the latter is more neutral.