choppy waters

USAGE SUMMARY

"choppy waters" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which a body of water (such as an ocean or lake) is turbulent and turbulent-looking due to a combination of factors such as wind and waves. Example sentence: "We decided against taking the boat out into the choppy waters beyond the bay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still, Twitter may yet hit choppy waters.

The New York Times

Two companies, however, braved the choppy waters.

The New York Times

The launch bobbed in the choppy waters.

The New York Times - Books

Many Chinese internet companies have been in choppy waters recently.

The New York Times - Tech

I realise we are sailing into choppy waters here.

The Guardian - Books

Obama is navigating uncharted and decidedly choppy waters.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Navigating in choppy waters is something a Breton knows well.

The New York Times

However, there could be choppy waters ahead for Brown.

The Guardian - Opinion

The next few seasons will be choppy waters.

The Guardian - Sport

Even if he can navigate today's choppy waters, the former sea captain can expect storms ahead.

The Economist

The other three were eventually pulled from the choppy waters and hospitalized.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "choppy waters" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly relates to navigating difficulties or instability in a particular area, such as business, politics, or personal relationships. It's powerful for suggesting resilience and the need for careful maneuvering.

Common error

Avoid using "choppy waters" too frequently in your writing. While effective, overuse can diminish its impact. Vary your language by using "turbulent times", "difficult situation", or other similar phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "choppy waters" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used metaphorically to describe a situation characterized by difficulty, instability, or turbulence. Ludwig, based on numerous examples, validates its correct usage in conveying such scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "choppy waters" is a versatile expression, primarily used as a noun phrase to metaphorically represent difficult or unstable situations. Ludwig confirms that its grammatical status is correct, and it's used in diverse contexts ranging from news and media to academia, with a neutral to professional register. Though its frequency is considered very common, remember to mind its overuse. Consider using alternatives such as "turbulent times" or "difficult situation" to diversify your writing. The high expert rating based on grammatical correctness, source authority, and usage consistency confirms its reliability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turbulent times

Focuses on the temporal aspect of the difficulty, highlighting a period of instability.

difficult situation

A more general term, applicable to a wider range of challenging scenarios.

rough patch

Implies a temporary period of difficulty, often in personal or business contexts.

stormy weather

Similar to "choppy waters" but can also refer to emotional or political turmoil.

unsettled period

Emphasizes a lack of stability and predictability.

challenging circumstances

Highlights the presence of obstacles and the need for resilience.

crisis

Denotes a critical and potentially dangerous situation.

in turmoil

Suggests a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.

under pressure

Highlights the stress and strain of a demanding situation.

facing adversity

Emphasizes the confrontation with hardship and misfortune.

FAQs

How can I use "choppy waters" in a sentence?

You can use "choppy waters" to describe a difficult or unstable situation. For example, "The company is navigating the "choppy waters" of a changing market."

What's a more formal alternative to "choppy waters"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "turbulent times" or "difficult situation" to convey a similar meaning with a slightly elevated tone.

Is "choppy waters" always used metaphorically?

While often used metaphorically to describe challenging situations, "choppy waters" can also literally refer to turbulent water conditions. The context usually makes the intended meaning clear.

What are some common collocations with "choppy waters"?

Common collocations include "navigate the "choppy waters"", "sail through "choppy waters"", and "enter "choppy waters"", all suggesting the act of dealing with difficult circumstances.