already in trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "already in trouble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is experiencing difficulties or problems that have arisen prior to the current moment. Example: "After missing the deadline and failing the last exam, she knew she was already in trouble with her grades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Was Lehman already in trouble?

The New Yorker

But Solyndra was already in trouble.

The Washington Post

The economy was already in trouble.

The Guardian

Some Middle Eastern markets, notably Dubai, are already in trouble.

The Economist

It was placing greater burdens on countries already in trouble.

The Economist

Some of its suppliers are already in trouble.

The Economist

By then, however, Kepler was already in trouble.

The New York Times - Science

His two Main Street shoe stores were already in trouble.

The New York Times - Magazine

They were already in trouble as it was.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Is The New Macy's Beauty Box Subscription Already In Trouble?

Forbes

And Time Warner Cable is already in trouble for failing to do that.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "already in trouble", ensure the context clearly defines what the 'trouble' entails. Be specific about the nature of the difficulties being faced.

Common error

Avoid using "already in trouble" when the situation is merely inconvenient or slightly challenging. This phrase implies a significant degree of difficulty or adversity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "already in trouble" functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a pre-existing state of difficulty or adversity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "already in trouble" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe a situation where someone or something is experiencing pre-existing difficulties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, scientific, and business contexts. While phrases like "in dire straits" or "facing difficulties" offer similar meanings, the specific choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis. When using "already in trouble", clarity and specificity are key to conveying the precise nature and extent of the pre-existing challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in dire straits

Emphasizes the severity of the trouble, suggesting a more critical situation.

facing difficulties

A more general and less intense way of saying "already in trouble".

in a tight spot

Implies a difficult situation from which escape is not easy.

in jeopardy

Highlights the risk and potential for serious harm or failure.

in a predicament

Suggests a difficult or unpleasant situation, implying a problem that needs to be resolved.

in hot water

Suggests trouble with authority or facing consequences for one's actions.

up against it

An informal way to say someone is facing significant challenges.

experiencing hardship

Focuses on the difficulty and suffering associated with the trouble.

on the rocks

Indicates that a relationship or venture is failing or experiencing severe problems.

in a mess

An informal way of saying someone is in a disorganized or chaotic situation.

FAQs

How can I use "already in trouble" in a sentence?

You can use "already in trouble" to describe a pre-existing state of difficulty. For example, "The company was "already in trouble" before the new regulations were introduced."

What phrases are similar to "already in trouble"?

Similar phrases include "in dire straits", "facing difficulties", or "in a predicament", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it better to say "already in trouble" or "in trouble already"?

"Already in trouble" is the more common and natural-sounding phrasing. "In trouble already" is grammatically correct but less frequently used.

What's the difference between "already in trouble" and "about to be in trouble"?

"Already in trouble" signifies that the difficulties are currently present, while "about to be in trouble" suggests that the problems are imminent but not yet fully realized.