always getting into trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "always getting into trouble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who frequently finds themselves in difficult or problematic situations. Example: "Despite his good intentions, he is always getting into trouble with his impulsive decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"He's always getting into trouble".

The New York Times - Health

Tamerlan "was always getting into trouble," he added.

The New York Times

"My father was always getting into trouble," he says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He was always getting into trouble, cutting school and going bowling.

The New York Times

We were always getting into trouble for playing songs with dubious lyrics.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

(Her father nicknamed her Nippy, after a cartoon character who was always getting into trouble, when she was a baby).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Although Harris treated them the same, Nomi was a perfect daugher, while Elaine always got into trouble.

The New Yorker

You always get into trouble in any walk of life if you claim for yourself the ability to determine one priority without being able to determine all the others". The vexed political climate around abortion has led to anxiety among doctors, concerned that their practice will be increasingly called into question.

The Guardian

"I always get into trouble for giving timelines," he said.

TechCrunch

One father (David Spade) seems incredibly dumb and always gets into trouble.

Huffington Post

These guys are so endearing with their big, buggy eyes and their ability to always get into trouble -- somehow we can all relate.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase when you want to convey a sense of inevitability or recurrence. For example, "Knowing his impulsive nature, he was always getting into trouble."

Common error

Be mindful of exaggerating the severity of the "trouble". Using the phrase for minor incidents can sound hyperbolic. Reserve it for situations that genuinely cause disruption or negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "always getting into trouble" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used as part of a larger sentence to characterize someone's behavior or tendencies. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "always getting into trouble" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe someone who frequently encounters problematic situations. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It is primarily found in news and media contexts and tends toward a neutral or slightly informal register. When using the phrase, consider the specific context and avoid overstating the seriousness of the "trouble". Alternatives like "constantly finding themselves in difficulty" or "perpetually embroiled in complications" may be suitable for more formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constantly finding themselves in difficulty

Focuses on the frequent experience of facing hardships or challenges.

perpetually embroiled in complications

Highlights an ongoing state of being involved in complex or difficult situations.

invariably causing a stir

Emphasizes the consistent creation of excitement or disturbance, often negative.

forever attracting problems

Suggests a continuous allure of troublesome circumstances.

habitually creating chaos

Points to a recurring pattern of generating disorder or confusion.

regularly sparking controversy

Highlights the frequent generation of disagreement or public dispute.

frequently stirring up trouble

Focuses on often instigating problems or difficulties.

constantly making mischief

Describes a pattern of playful but often problematic behavior.

incessantly courting disaster

Emphasizes a relentless pursuit of potentially ruinous situations.

persistently seeking out problematic situations

Focuses on actively looking for or creating difficult circumstances.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "always getting into trouble"?

You can use alternatives like "constantly finding themselves in difficulty", "perpetually embroiled in complications", or "invariably causing a stir" depending on the context.

Is "always getting into trouble" a formal or informal expression?

While "always getting into trouble" is widely understood, it leans towards the informal side. For more formal writing, consider phrases like "frequently encountering difficulties" or "consistently facing challenges".

What does it mean when someone is "always getting into trouble"?

It means the person frequently finds themselves in problematic, difficult, or undesirable situations, often due to their own actions or circumstances.

Is it correct to say "always gets into trouble" instead of "always getting into trouble"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Always gets into trouble" implies a habitual action or characteristic, while "always getting into trouble" emphasizes the ongoing process or current pattern of behavior.