a troublesome matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a troublesome matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or issue that is causing difficulty or distress. Example: "The committee is currently addressing a troublesome matter that has arisen in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Others suggested that Mr. Martin was hoping to hand the issue off to the new chairman so he did not have to deal with what could be a troublesome matter.

The New York Times

Having said this, some early followers of Scotus reject haecceities and the theory of the common nature altogether, and of those who accept haecceities, some found the correct understanding of the nature of the distinction between an individual's nature and its haecceity a troublesome matter.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The Ombudsperson's office exists to receive, examine, and channel the complaints and grievances of members of the Stanford community, and to secure expeditious and impartial redress". Any troublesome matter in the University community may be discussed in confidence with the University Ombuds.

Stanford University

The offense is a more troublesome matter.

The New York Times - Sports

A troublesome topic for filmmakers in the past, "Don Quixote" was a particularly involved and expensive proposition with Mr. Gilliam, whose schemes often run into the realm of impracticality no matter how much money is available.

The New York Times

However, evolution has never been a troublesome issue.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The second is "A Troublesome Subject: The Art of Robert Arneson".

Huffington Post

An equally troublesome matter, Ms. Walker said, was a $5 million loan Mrs. Clinton made to her campaign to keep it afloat before the coast-to-coast nominating contests on Feb. 5. "Where did that come from?" she asked.

The New York Times

Because its subject is ever evolving — "Jonson, like his own creation, Volpone, moved with the agility of a player from one role to the next," as Donaldson puts it — the book moves at a lively clip, despite the occasional excessive divagation into the byways of court politics and the troublesome matter of religion, which remained a volatile topic throughout Jonson's life.

The New York Times - Books

But amid the lavishness, the bright colors, the painstaking detail, we get the troublesome matter that should link the book's disparate elements together: the text.

The New York Times - Books

Illinois lawmakers, who make key financing and benefit choices for Chicago's pension system, have wrestled for months without agreement on the politically troublesome matter of cutting the benefits of public sector retirees to save money.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a troublesome matter" when you want to emphasize the problematic and potentially burdensome nature of a situation or topic. It suggests that the matter requires careful handling and may cause difficulties.

Common error

Avoid using "a troublesome matter" in very informal settings. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a problem" or "a hassle" in less formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a troublesome matter" functions as a noun phrase, where "troublesome" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "matter". This phrase typically introduces a topic, situation, or problem that is causing difficulty, concern, or annoyance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a troublesome matter" is a valid and useful phrase for describing issues that are complex, difficult, and potentially concerning. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in a variety of contexts, particularly in news, academic, and professional settings. While it might sound overly formal in casual conversation, it effectively conveys the weight and complexity of the subject at hand. Consider alternatives like "a difficult issue" or "a challenging situation" in less formal contexts. Use this phrase judiciously to add precision and depth to your writing when describing complex problems that require careful consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a problematic issue

Substitutes "troublesome" with "problematic" and "matter" with "issue", focusing on the problematic nature.

a vexing problem

Replaces "troublesome" with "vexing", highlighting the irritating or frustrating aspect.

a difficult situation

Replaces "matter" with a broader term for a problematic scenario.

a thorny issue

Uses a metaphor to describe the matter as being complex and potentially painful to handle.

a challenging circumstance

Replaces "troublesome" with "challenging" and "matter" with "circumstance", emphasizing the difficulty.

a complicated affair

Emphasizes the complexity and entanglement of the matter.

a delicate situation

Focuses on the sensitivity and care needed when dealing with the matter.

a concerning development

Shifts the focus to the worry or unease caused by the matter.

a pressing concern

Highlights the urgency and importance of addressing the matter.

a sensitive subject

Focuses on the potential for discomfort or controversy surrounding the matter.

FAQs

How can I use "a troublesome matter" in a sentence?

You can use "a troublesome matter" to refer to a situation or issue that is causing difficulty or concern. For instance, "The committee is currently addressing "a troublesome matter" that has arisen in the community".

What are some alternatives to "a troublesome matter"?

Depending on the specific context, you might consider alternatives like "a difficult issue", "a challenging situation", or "a problematic area".

When is it appropriate to use "a troublesome matter"?

Use "a troublesome matter" when you want to emphasize the problematic and potentially burdensome nature of a situation or topic. It suggests that the matter requires careful handling and may cause difficulties. This phrase is suitable for professional, academic, and formal contexts.

Is "a troublesome matter" the same as "a difficult matter"?

While similar, "a troublesome matter" often implies more than just difficulty. It suggests that the matter is not only hard to deal with, but also causes worry or annoyance. "A difficult matter" might simply be complex, while "a troublesome matter" is both complex and potentially problematic.