deep trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deep trouble" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means being in a serious or difficult situation. Example: "If I don't finish this project by tomorrow, I'll be in deep trouble with my boss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Deep trouble".

The New Yorker

America is in deep trouble.

The New York Times

Yet it is now in deep trouble.

The Economist

The economy is in deep trouble.

The New York Times

THE European Union is in deep trouble.

The Economist

Greece is in deep trouble again.

The New York Times

Mother Earth is in deep trouble.

Independent

Meanwhile, Labour is in deep trouble.

The Guardian - Opinion

Murray was in deep trouble.

The Guardian - Sport

"Britain is in deep trouble.

The Guardian

Two years ago the firm was in deep trouble.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "deep trouble". It's suitable for both formal and informal settings, but adjust your tone accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "deep trouble" for minor inconveniences. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Reserve it for genuinely serious or precarious situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deep trouble" functions primarily as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a subject to indicate a state of significant difficulty or danger. Ludwig's examples illustrate this across various contexts, showcasing its versatility in expressing the intensity of a problematic situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "deep trouble" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a serious or difficult situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and understood in English. With a strong presence in News & Media, it serves to emphasize the severity of a problem. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse in trivial situations to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "dire straits" or "serious predicament" depending on the context. Ultimately, "deep trouble" is a powerful tool for conveying the gravity of a situation when used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious predicament

This alternative uses more formal vocabulary to describe a difficult situation.

dire straits

This phrase emphasizes the severity and urgency of the problematic situation.

grave difficulty

Replaces "trouble" with "difficulty" and "deep" with "grave", suggesting a serious and significant problem.

profound crisis

Substitutes "trouble" for "crisis", indicating a turning point or moment of instability.

in a tight spot

This idiom is more informal, suggesting a challenging but potentially manageable situation.

up against it

This colloquialism describes facing significant obstacles or adversity.

in hot water

An informal idiom referring to being in a situation where one is likely to face punishment or criticism.

in a mess

A simpler, more general way to describe being in a problematic situation.

facing a dilemma

Emphasizes the aspect of having to choose between difficult options.

in a quandary

This phrase suggests a state of perplexity or uncertainty about what to do.

FAQs

How can I use "deep trouble" in a sentence?

You can use "deep trouble" to describe a situation where someone is facing serious difficulties. For example: "If the company doesn't meet its sales targets this quarter, it will be in "deep trouble"".

What are some alternatives to saying "deep trouble"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "serious predicament", "dire straits", or "grave difficulty" as alternatives to "deep trouble".

Is it ever appropriate to use "deep trouble" in formal writing?

Yes, "deep trouble" can be used in formal writing, especially when conveying the seriousness of a situation. However, consider whether a more formal synonym like "profound crisis" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "deep trouble" and "slight trouble"?

"Deep trouble" implies a significant and potentially dangerous situation, while "slight trouble" suggests a minor inconvenience or problem. The adjective "deep" emphasizes the severity of the situation, which is absent in "slight trouble".