could be troublesome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be troublesome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential difficulties or issues that may arise in a situation. Example: "The new policy changes could be troublesome for employees who are not familiar with the updated procedures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Mr. Giuliani acknowledged that "politically," it could be troublesome.

The New York Times

That could be troublesome, since Mr. Suozzi has squabbled with his fellow Democrats in the Assembly.

The New York Times

Their crankiness could be troublesome when the senators lunch with their leader, but it's not the thing that plays publicly.

The New York Times

Just a comparatively small shift during the election expected in October could be troublesome for Mr. Harper.

The New York Times

But a falloff could be troublesome, especially with a show so dependent on an unfolding mystery story.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Price said the gap between black women and men could be troublesome for the future of the black family.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

But paradoxically, should the euro have a troubled birth and prove to be a weak currency, that could also be troublesome: sterling's current strength might then persist, forcing up the relative costs of manufacturing in Britain.

The Economist

But this reduction in wildfires could also be troublesome.

Science Magazine

That modest strategy immediately leaves them appearing the most vulnerable side in the division, although integrating all of his new players could initially be troublesome for Dundee manager Paul Hartley.

BBC

"The implementation of this law could be quite troublesome".

The New York Times

No one would deny that Thomas drank too much or that he could be a troublesome drunk.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be troublesome" to express a potential but not certain problem. Ensure the context provides enough information to understand what specific issues might arise. For instance, instead of saying 'The new system could be troublesome', specify 'The new system could be troublesome for users unfamiliar with the interface'.

Common error

Avoid using "could be troublesome" when a problem is already confirmed or highly likely. Opt for stronger phrasing like "will be troublesome" or "is certainly problematic" when the issue is more definite.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be troublesome" functions as a modal phrase expressing a possibility or potential for problems. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and is commonly used to suggest that something might cause difficulties or issues.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

25%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be troublesome" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression to denote potential difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples across diverse fields. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it serves as a cautionary phrase, prompting recognition of possible complications. For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "may present challenges". When employing this phrase, make sure to balance its speculative nature with enough contextual details, while avoiding overstating the problem's certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be problematic

Expresses a similar level of possibility and concern, but uses the word "problematic" instead of "troublesome".

may present challenges

Focuses on the challenges that might arise, rather than directly stating something is troublesome.

could pose difficulties

Highlights the difficulties that might occur, similar to "could be troublesome".

might cause complications

Suggests potential complications, indicating a more serious or intricate problem.

may lead to issues

Emphasizes the potential for issues to arise as a consequence.

might create problems

Directly states the potential for creating problems, similar in meaning to "could be troublesome".

could prove awkward

Focuses on the potential for a situation to become socially uncomfortable or difficult.

may turn out badly

Highlights the potential for a negative outcome or result.

might end up difficult

Emphasizes the potential for a situation to become difficult in the future.

could generate concerns

Highlights the potential for creating worry or anxiety.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "could be troublesome" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "may present challenges", "could pose difficulties", or "might cause complications" to maintain a professional tone.

When is it appropriate to use "could be troublesome" in writing?

"Could be troublesome" is suitable when indicating a potential issue or difficulty that is not yet confirmed but warrants attention. Use it to express uncertainty or a moderate level of concern.

What are some less formal alternatives to "could be troublesome"?

For less formal situations, alternatives like "might be a hassle", "could be a pain", or "may cause some headaches" can convey a similar meaning with a more casual tone.

How does "could be troublesome" differ from "is troublesome"?

"Could be troublesome" suggests a possibility or potential for problems, whereas "is troublesome" indicates that the issue is already present and causing difficulties. The former expresses uncertainty, while the latter denotes a current state.