a troubling development

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a troubling development" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that raises concern or anxiety. Example: "The recent increase in cyberattacks on critical infrastructure is a troubling development that requires immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

A troubling development?

The New York Times - Magazine

That is a troubling development.

The New York Times

"That's a troubling development for us," he said.

The Washington Post

To Mr. Dershowitz, at least, this would be a troubling development.

The New York Times

He added that the president's favorite method of communication was a troubling development for democracy.

The New York Times

Foreign observers in Aceh said the emergence of another radical group was a troubling development for the region.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

The latest setback to an already thin offensive line — center Shaun O'Hara will be out for a third straight game with a mild ligament sprain in his right foot — is a particularly troubling development because of Andrews's history of back problems.

The New York Times - Sports

A report published Monday by the International Crisis Group called the pesh merga deployment a "deeply troubling development".

The New York Times

Mr. Bush called the charges "a profoundly troubling development in the history of our country: the criminalization of policy differences".

The New York Times

For Virginia leaders, as well as the agency that manages both airports, it is a deeply troubling development.

The Washington Post

But now China seems to be offering almost no deviation from its business-as-usual path, a more troubling development to some.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider using specific examples to illustrate why "a troubling development" matters. This adds weight and clarity to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a troubling development" as a vague placeholder for concern. Always provide clear context explaining why it's troubling. For example, instead of saying "The economy's state is a troubling development", specify "The rising unemployment rate is "a troubling development" because it indicates deeper systemic issues".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a troubling development" functions as a noun phrase that describes a situation or event. It introduces a topic that is considered worrying or concerning. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, appearing in a wide range of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a troubling development" is a versatile phrase used to express concern about negative trends or events. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, especially in news and media. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it's crucial to provide specific context to explain why the development is troubling. Consider alternatives like "a worrying trend" or "a cause for concern" to diversify your language. Remember to avoid overuse without specific context to maintain clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a worrying trend

Replaces "development" with "trend", focusing on the pattern rather than a specific event.

a disturbing indication

Focuses on the suggestive nature of the event, implying underlying problems.

an ominous development

Suggests a more severe or threatening nature to the event.

a cause for concern

Shifts the focus to the reason for worry, rather than the event itself.

a reason for apprehension

Emphasizes the feeling of anxiety or unease about the future.

an alarming signal

Highlights the potential urgency or danger of the situation.

a negative sign

Uses a more direct and less nuanced expression of concern.

a discouraging sign

Focuses on the negative impact on morale or optimism.

a setback

Indicates a reversal or delay in progress, which is concerning.

an unwelcome surprise

Highlights the unexpected and undesirable nature of the event.

FAQs

How can I use "a troubling development" in a sentence?

Use "a troubling development" to express concern about a situation that has negative implications. For example, "The decline in student test scores is "a troubling development" for the education system".

What are some alternatives to "a troubling development"?

You can use alternatives such as "a worrying trend", "a cause for concern", or "a negative sign" depending on the specific context.

Is "a troubling development" formal or informal?

"A troubling development" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but is more commonly used in news reports, business analyses, and academic discussions rather than casual conversations.

What makes something qualify as "a troubling development"?

Something qualifies as "a troubling development" when it indicates a potentially negative or concerning trend or event that could lead to undesirable outcomes. It implies a need for attention or action to mitigate potential harm.