be in trouble with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be in trouble with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to being in a difficult situation or facing consequences, often in relation to authority figures or rules. Example: "If you don't submit your report on time, you will be in trouble with your supervisor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I may be in trouble with the Italians.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This adviser, too, turned out to be in trouble with securities regulators.

The New York Times

Like a girl, ironically, so he'll be in trouble with Anglo-Catholics.

The Guardian - Opinion

When I saw going after the sixth, the seventh, I knew we were going to be in trouble with Jones, with Eric.

The Guardian - Sport

"Going after the sixth and seventh I knew we would be in trouble with Jones and Eric [Bailly, who may have been next]," Mourinho said.

The Guardian - Sport

Suddenly he found himself in a position where, if he went ahead with his threat, he would be in trouble with the officials.

The Guardian - Sport

Ricky at age 29, has been through 2 divorces, and always seems to be in trouble with the law, with lovers, or with various criminal types.

The New Yorker

The Maloofs' Las Vegas casino, the Palms, is said to be in trouble, with Bloomberg News reporting in January that the family might sell controlling interest.

The New York Times

Then, he said, study abroad officials may think, "If it goes away, we're going to be in trouble with our office".

The New York Times

Friends of the 18-year-old told the Guardian that Hernandez was not the type to be in trouble with police.

The Guardian

And if that were not enough, it is likely that the same health professional would also be in trouble with their regulatory body.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be in trouble with", ensure the context clearly identifies who or what the trouble stems from. For example, "He will be in trouble with his parents if he fails the exam."

Common error

Avoid using "be in trouble with" when you simply mean to have a problem. "I am in trouble with my car" is incorrect; instead, say "I am having trouble with my car."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be in trouble with" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing a state of potential negative consequences or conflict with a specific person, group, or entity. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples illustrating this function, such as "be in trouble with the law" or "be in trouble with your parents."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be in trouble with" is a common and grammatically correct English expression used to indicate that someone is likely to face negative consequences or difficulties with a specific person, group, or authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used in various contexts, from news reports to informal conversations. It’s important to use the phrase accurately, ensuring that the scope of "with" is well-defined. Common errors include using it when simply meaning to "have trouble with" something. Alternatives such as "face repercussions from" or "encounter difficulties with" can be used depending on the specific context. With a neutral register and widespread use, mastering the usage of "be in trouble with" is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have problems with

A more general way of expressing difficulties or conflicts.

face repercussions from

Emphasizes the negative consequences one might experience.

encounter difficulties with

Highlights the problematic aspects of a relationship or situation.

get into hot water with

An informal way of saying someone will face negative consequences.

be in the bad books of

An idiom indicating disfavor or disapproval from someone.

fall foul of

Suggests violating a rule or law, leading to trouble.

run afoul of

Similar to "fall foul of", emphasizing a violation or transgression.

be at odds with

Highlights a conflict or disagreement with someone or something.

risk censure from

Focuses on the possibility of formal disapproval or criticism.

answer to

Highlights the responsibility and potential consequences when failing someone or something.

FAQs

How can I use "be in trouble with" in a sentence?

Use "be in trouble with" to indicate that someone is likely to face negative consequences from an authority or due to breaking a rule. For example, "If you don't finish your homework, you'll "be in trouble with" the teacher."

What's the difference between "be in trouble" and "be in trouble with"?

"Be in trouble" is a general statement about facing difficulties, while "be in trouble with" specifies the person or entity causing the trouble. "I'm in trouble" suggests a difficult situation, while "I'm in trouble with the boss" indicates the boss is the source of the problem.

Which is correct, "be in trouble with" or "have trouble with"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings. "Be in trouble with" indicates potential punishment or negative consequences from someone. "Have trouble with" simply indicates difficulty with something, without necessarily implying consequences.

What can I say instead of "be in trouble with"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "face repercussions from", "encounter difficulties with", or "have problems with".