causing headaches for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "causing headaches for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or person that is creating difficulties or problems for someone else. Example: "The new regulations are causing headaches for small business owners who struggle to comply."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Washington's generosity is causing headaches for the C.I.A.

The New York Times

"This could involve grading works according to noise, causing headaches for program schedulers".

The New York Times - Arts

International recruitment: why visas are causing headaches for staff as well as students.

The Guardian

RISING inflation is causing headaches for central bankers across the world.

The Economist

Germany is not far behind Italy in causing headaches for Google.

The New York Times

The third option – and the one causing headaches for Australia's nascent geothermal energy industry – is geothermal electricity generation.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

"More than causing a headache for the government, the company has been causing headache for stakeholders," says Adriano Pires, an analyst from consultants CBIE, the Brazilian Centre for Infrastructure.

BBC

But picky shoppers will cause headaches for everyone in haulage.

The Economist

Fix Hellas is starting to cause headaches for Heineken.

The Economist

It was a mismatch that was always going to cause headaches for City.

The Guardian - Sport

The intense interest in this election has caused headaches for the hard-line forces as well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "causing headaches for", ensure the subject clearly identifies what or who is experiencing the difficulties. Clarity enhances the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "causing headaches for" in your writing. While a common expression, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using alternatives like "creating problems for" or "posing challenges for" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "causing headaches for" functions as a causal connector, linking a cause (the subject) to its effect (the difficulties experienced by someone). As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase correctly describes a situation creating difficulties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "causing headaches for" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something that creates difficulties or problems for someone. As Ludwig AI verifies, it's widely used across various reputable sources, especially in news and media. While versatile, overuse should be avoided by employing synonyms like "creating problems for" or "posing challenges for". When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the subject and the recipient of the "headaches" are clearly identified. Understanding its function as a causal connector and its neutral register will enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

creating problems for

Replaces "headaches" with "problems", a more general term for difficulties.

leading to difficulties for

Focuses on the result of causing issues, using "difficulties" instead of "headaches".

posing challenges for

Emphasizes the challenge aspect of the situation.

generating issues for

Highlights the active creation of problems.

giving someone trouble

Uses a more informal expression.

making things difficult for

A more descriptive and less direct way of saying the same thing.

complicating matters for

Focuses on the act of making something more complex or intricate.

being a burden for

Emphasizes the weight or difficulty imposed on the affected party.

presenting obstacles for

Highlights the hindering aspect of the problem.

inflicting distress on

Focuses on the negative emotional impact.

FAQs

What does "causing headaches for" mean?

The phrase "causing headaches for" means creating problems, difficulties, or frustrations for someone. It implies that something or someone is generating unwanted stress or complications.

What can I say instead of "causing headaches for"?

You can use alternatives like "creating problems for", "leading to difficulties for", or "posing challenges for" depending on the context.

Is "causing headaches for" formal or informal?

"Causing headaches for" is considered relatively neutral in tone. While not overly formal, it's suitable for many professional and journalistic contexts. For very formal writing, consider alternatives like "presenting obstacles for".

How to use "causing headaches for" in a sentence?

Use "causing headaches for" to indicate that a particular situation, person, or thing is creating problems for someone else. For example: "The new regulations are causing headaches for small business owners".