cause trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence "Cause trouble" is a valid phrase in English, although it is often used in spoken language rather than written language.
It is typically used to refer to someone making things difficult for other people or causing problems for others. For example, "He always seems to cause trouble when I'm around."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But they cause trouble.

The Economist

Investigative reporters cause trouble.

The New Yorker

Some might yet cause trouble.

The Economist

Likely to cause trouble?

The New York Times - Arts

Rivers, too, can cause trouble.

The New York Times

Silver seems to cause trouble".

The New Yorker

Connectivity can cause trouble, though.

The Guardian - Books

More willing to cause trouble.

The Guardian

"I didn't want to cause trouble.

The New York Times - Sports

But they can still cause trouble.

The Economist

The trade unions could also cause trouble.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "cause trouble", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is being affected and the nature of the trouble being caused. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "cause trouble" as a vague descriptor. Instead of saying "the new policy will cause trouble", specify who will be affected and what kind of trouble they will experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause trouble" functions as a verb phrase, where "cause" acts as the main verb and "trouble" serves as its direct object. It describes the action of creating problems or difficulties. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, indicating its widespread applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cause trouble" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the action of creating problems or difficulties. Ludwig AI identifies its prevalence in News & Media and Wiki sources, suggesting a neutral to informal register. To enhance clarity, it's best to be specific about who or what is affected and the nature of the trouble being caused. While widely used, consider more formal alternatives like "create difficulties" or "instigate problems" in academic or professional settings. The phrase's versatility and frequent usage make it a valuable part of everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create problems

Focuses on the act of generating difficulties or issues.

stir up conflict

Emphasizes inciting arguments or disagreements.

make difficulties

Highlights the creation of challenging situations.

provoke unrest

Suggests inciting disturbance or agitation.

generate chaos

Implies creating a state of disorder and confusion.

lead to disruption

Focuses on the potential for causing interruption or disorder.

instigate problems

Highlights the act of initiating issues or troubles.

invite conflict

Suggests actions that are likely to lead to disagreements.

foster disturbance

Emphasizes the creation of disruption or disquiet.

breed resentment

Focuses on actions that cultivate bitterness or discontent.

FAQs

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

You can use "cause trouble" to describe someone or something creating problems or difficulties. For example, "His actions often "cause trouble" for the team".

What's a more formal way to say "cause trouble"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "create difficulties", "lead to disruption", or "instigate problems" as more formal alternatives to "cause trouble".

What are some synonyms for "cause trouble"?

Synonyms for "cause trouble" include "stir up conflict", "generate chaos", or "make difficulties". These phrases offer slightly different nuances depending on the situation.

Is it better to say "cause trouble" or "cause problems"?

Both "cause trouble" and "cause problems" are correct. "Cause trouble" often implies a more disruptive or mischievous intent, while "cause problems" is a more general term for creating difficulties.