a troubling issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a troubling issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a problem or concern that causes distress or worry. Example: "The report highlighted a troubling issue regarding the safety of the new product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Gloating and name-calling aside, there's a troubling issue here.

The Washington Post

Just as frogs' mating season arrives, a study by a Yale professor raises a troubling issue.

The New York Times - Science

This is a troubling issue that the more enlightened counselors to youth have been avoiding.

The New York Times - Sports

And Troopergate has raised a troubling issue about how the state government now investigates its own.

The New York Times

It does point to a troubling issue however, and one we should definitely get to the bottom of.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"This is a troubling issue, and we are committed to getting our service members the help they need," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Which flags up a more troubling issue: the lack of a clear role for education professionals in policymaking.

The Guardian

However, one aspect of the story speaks to a larger, troubling issue: having spoken with an unnamed player who left the Dolphins during the offseason, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reported that the players in the Miami locker room not only didn't view Incognito as a racist but actually considered him an "honorary black guy".

The Guardian - Opinion

Although abortion would prove to be a more troubling issue for the court as a whole, it posed considerably less of a personal challenge for Justice Blackmun.

The New York Times

For the rest of his life the Huac testimony remained a deeply troubling issue for him.

The Guardian - Film

"It's a very troubling issue, and the stakes here are huge," Mr. Levin said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a troubling issue", ensure you clearly define the specific problem or concern you are addressing to provide context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a troubling issue" without providing specific details. Vague language can weaken your argument and leave the reader unsure of the actual problem. Always follow up with concrete examples or explanations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a troubling issue" functions as a noun phrase, where "troubling" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "issue". Ludwig shows it's used to identify a specific problem that causes concern or worry.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a troubling issue" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a problem that causes concern or worry. Ludwig confirms its appropriateness across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While it is important to use this phrase with specificity, providing clear context for the reader, Ludwig AI analysis has highlighted a high comfort level for its usage, making it a practical option in everyday writing. Related phrases, such as "a concerning matter" or "a serious concern", can be used to convey slightly different nuances of the problem at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a concerning matter

Replaces "troubling" with "concerning", emphasizing worry.

a worrisome problem

Substitutes "troubling" with "worrisome" and "issue" with "problem", highlighting anxiety.

a disturbing question

Replaces "troubling" with "disturbing" and "issue" with "question", focusing on unease.

a vexing situation

Uses "vexing" instead of "troubling" and "situation" for "issue", emphasizing frustration.

a difficult predicament

Replaces the original phrase with words that point out hardship.

a serious concern

Emphasizes the gravity of the issue by using "serious" and "concern".

a grave matter

Focuses on the seriousness and importance of the issue using "grave".

a pressing challenge

Highlights the urgency and demanding nature of the issue.

an alarming trend

Focuses on a developing pattern that causes concern.

a thorny subject

Presents the issue as complex and potentially causing conflict.

FAQs

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

You can use "a troubling issue" to introduce a problem that causes concern. For example, "The lack of affordable housing is "a troubling issue" for many families in the city".

What are some alternatives to saying "a troubling issue"?

Alternatives include "a concerning matter", "a worrisome problem", or "a serious concern", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a troubling issue" in formal writing?

Yes, "a troubling issue" is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure your writing is clear and specific, providing context for the issue you are discussing.

What's the difference between "a troubling issue" and "a serious issue"?

"A troubling issue" emphasizes the worry or distress caused by the problem, while "a serious issue" highlights the gravity or importance of the problem. The choice depends on which aspect you want to emphasize.