causing trouble for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "causing trouble for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone or something is creating difficulties or problems for another person or group. Example: "The new policy is causing trouble for many employees who are struggling to adapt to the changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The leaked consent form was certainly causing trouble for HBO.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That is causing trouble for the present lot.

The Economist

Does Mr. Zennstrom relish the idea of causing trouble for the telecom industry?

The New York Times

Pursuing individual goals by defying the government and causing trouble for Japan was deemed unforgivable.

The New York Times

Pursuing individual goals by defying the government and causing trouble for Japan was simply unforgivable.

The New York Times

Its workaday incarnation, cockiness, is causing trouble for Bill Ackman, a modern-day hedge-fund titan.

The Economist

ONCE more, the Philippines' chaotic politics is causing trouble for the economy.

The Economist

What we're anxious about is that we're causing trouble for the rest of you, or even getting on your nerves.

The Guardian

But increasingly, it is the problems of ordinary Americans that are causing trouble for the big banks.

The New York Times

Made in China, the arms may have been shipped with help from Pakistani spies set on causing trouble for India.

The Economist

The pace of Wes Burns was also causing trouble for the Hearts defence as they started brightly but he blasted a chance wide of the target.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "causing trouble for", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is experiencing the difficulty. Providing specific details enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "causing trouble for" in vague or overly general statements. Be precise about the nature of the trouble and its impact to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "causing trouble for" functions as a verb phrase acting as the predicate of a clause. It describes the action of creating difficulties or problems for someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "causing trouble for" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a situation where someone or something is creating difficulties or problems. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "creating problems for" or "generating issues for" exist, "causing trouble for" maintains a neutral register and effectively conveys the idea of generating problems. Be mindful of the context to ensure precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

creating problems for

Replaces "trouble" with the more general term "problems".

making difficulties for

Uses "difficulties" instead of "trouble", suggesting a more challenging situation.

generating issues for

Uses "issues" instead of "trouble", a slightly less intense term.

posing a challenge to

Focuses on the aspect of presenting a challenge rather than explicit trouble.

complicating matters for

Highlights the act of making something more complex or intricate.

being detrimental to

Emphasizes the harmful or damaging effect on someone or something.

causing disruption to

Focuses on the interruption or disturbance caused.

hampering the progress of

Highlights the obstruction of advancement or development.

obstructing the path of

Implies a direct blockage or impediment.

inflicting hardship on

Emphasizes the suffering or adversity caused.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "causing trouble for" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "creating difficulties for", "posing a challenge to", or "complicating matters for".

What is a less intense way to say "causing trouble for"?

If you want to soften the impact, try "generating issues for" or "creating problems for". These alternatives convey difficulty without being overly dramatic.

How do I use "causing trouble for" in a sentence?

Ensure that the subject of the sentence is clearly identified as the source of the trouble, and the object is the one experiencing the difficulty. For instance, "The new regulations are causing trouble for small businesses."

What's the difference between "causing trouble for" and "creating problems for"?

"Causing trouble for" often implies a deliberate or mischievous element, whereas "creating problems for" is more neutral and suggests difficulties regardless of intent.