could prove troublesome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could prove troublesome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential difficulties or challenges that may arise in a situation. Example: "If we don't address the issue now, it could prove troublesome later on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

This could prove troublesome.

The New York Times

Their matchup against the Seminoles was the kind that could prove troublesome in the N.C.A.A. tournament.

The New York Times

EMC makes its living selling storage systems, and technology that lowers the need for such products could prove troublesome.

The New York Times - Tech

This could prove troublesome with Ms Merkel, who is keen to push ahead with wide-ranging reforms to the Eurozone without enacting treaty change.

Independent

But the other section of Ms. White's résumé — her years representing Wall Street names as a rainmaking partner at Debevoise & Plimpton — could prove troublesome.

The New York Times

The Packers host the Vikings on the opening Monday night of the season, an early litmus test that could prove troublesome if Rodgers doesn't play well.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Latin America could also prove troublesome to Citigroup, Mr. Mayo said, pointing to elections in Brazil in early October.

The New York Times

Two titles and two world records in the SM6 200m individual medley and S6 400m freestyle have already come her way although it could well prove troublesome for Simmonds to add the one-length dash to her roll call.

Independent

Beyond Chicago, the notion that the strike would not, as expected, end immediately could also prove troublesome for President Obama, who has so far stayed neutral in the fight between his former chief of staff and labor, though both are expected to play a crucial role in fund-raising and voter turnout efforts nationwide.

The New York Times

"Documents and/or workpapers that indicate an intention to circumvent or otherwise abuse the spirit of section 956," the e-mail warns, "could prove particularly troublesome and thus should be avoided".

The New York Times

The testimony of Mr. Brown and Mr. Werth could prove particularly troublesome for Timothy Rigas because he headed the company's financial operations and reportedly played a principal role in guiding it in recent years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could prove troublesome" consider if more specific language would improve clarity. Vague statements are easily misunderstood.

Common error

Avoid using "could prove troublesome" as a generic warning without specifying what aspects might be problematic. Providing specific details strengthens your argument and helps the reader understand the potential risks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could prove troublesome" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a cautious prediction. It suggests a possibility of future difficulties or problems arising from a particular situation or action. Ludwig AI provides several examples that demonstrate this usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could prove troublesome" is a modal verb phrase used to cautiously predict potential future difficulties. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in neutral to formal contexts, particularly within news and media. While versatile, it is important to provide specific context to clarify the source and nature of the potential problems. The best practice is to enhance clarity by providing details to avoid vagueness. By using alternatives such as "might present challenges" or "may cause complications", you can fine-tune the message to suit your specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might present challenges

Replaces "prove troublesome" with a more general expression of difficulty.

may cause complications

Focuses on the potential for problems to arise.

could create difficulties

Highlights the act of creating problems.

might lead to problems

Emphasizes the consequential nature of the issue.

may become problematic

Shifts the focus to the state of being problematic.

could be a source of difficulty

Identifies the phrase as a potential origin of trouble.

might be a stumbling block

Uses a metaphorical expression for an obstacle.

may give rise to concerns

Emphasizes the generation of worries.

could pose a threat

Suggests a more serious level of danger.

might not be easy

Understates the potential difficulties as simply not easy.

FAQs

How can I use "could prove troublesome" in a sentence?

You can use "could prove troublesome" to express a cautious prediction about potential difficulties or challenges. For example: "Ignoring safety regulations "could prove troublesome" in the long run".

What are some alternatives to "could prove troublesome"?

Alternatives include "might present challenges", "may cause complications", or "might lead to problems", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "could be troublesome" or "could prove troublesome"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "could prove troublesome" is often used to suggest that something's troublesome nature will become evident over time or with further development. "Could be troublesome" suggests a current potential for trouble.

What's the difference between "could prove troublesome" and "could prove difficult"?

"Could prove troublesome" implies potential problems or annoyances, while "could prove difficult" suggests challenges requiring effort or skill to overcome. "Troublesome" focuses on the negative consequences, while "difficult" focuses on the effort required.