encounter trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "encounter trouble" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing a situation where someone faces a difficult challenge or problem. Example: The team encountered trouble while assembling the project, so they had to work extra hours to finish it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Tech

Sports

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

On that last point, he may encounter trouble with many of Mrs. Clinton's backers.

The New York Times

Previously, the fund offered such credit lines only as a precaution against financing problems for countries that might encounter trouble.

The New York Times

And in about 13 percent of cases, people encounter trouble and move back into institutions, at least for a time.

The New York Times

Mr. Romney is not the first presidential candidate to encounter trouble when it comes to lavish abodes.

The New York Times

No wonder customers of the online music services may encounter trouble with their accounts if they travel abroad.

The New York Times

Women are actually more likely to suffer from depression, but more likely to seek help when they encounter trouble.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Mr. Booker found the encounter troubling.

The New York Times

However, the classical electrical treatment devices are generally rigid circuit microelectronics which may sometimes encounter troubles such as poor coupling performance and large contact comfortableness etc.

Clinical and Translational Medicine

In periods of one party dominance, perhaps ironically, the dominant party can encounter troubles passing their legislative agenda, and governing more generally, precisely because the party is so large.

Huffington Post

One day Treslove begins encountering trouble at work.

The New York Times - Books

About two blocks from the church, they encountered trouble.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "encounter trouble", consider the level of formality required by the context. While generally acceptable, more formal settings may benefit from alternatives like "face challenges" or "meet with adversity".

Common error

Avoid using "encounter trouble" repeatedly in formal documents. Vary your language with synonyms such as "face challenges", "experience difficulties", or "meet obstacles" to maintain reader engagement and showcase a wider vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "encounter trouble" functions as a verb phrase, where "encounter" is the verb and "trouble" is the noun serving as the object. It describes the action of experiencing difficulties or problems. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Film

8%

Tech

4%

Less common in

Sports

4%

Wiki

4%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "encounter trouble" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for describing the experience of facing difficulties or problems. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. While generally neutral in register, consider the context and audience when selecting synonyms for more formal settings. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources, indicating its relevance in reporting challenges and setbacks. When writing, remember to vary your language and avoid overuse to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experience problems

Focuses on the sensation or feeling of having problems, a more internal perspective.

run into difficulties

Uses 'run into' which implies a chance or unexpected meeting with difficulties. Slightly less formal.

face a setback

Highlights the aspect of delayed progress or a reversal in fortune.

face challenges

Emphasizes the act of confronting problems, suggesting a proactive approach.

come up against obstacles

Highlights the obstructive nature of the problems, suggesting barriers to progress.

meet with adversity

Implies a more significant and impactful form of trouble, suggesting hardship or misfortune.

be beset by difficulties

Suggests being persistently troubled by problems, implying a sustained negative experience.

find oneself in a predicament

Indicates a difficult or unpleasant situation, often one that is hard to escape from.

get into a bind

Informal expression suggesting a tricky or awkward situation.

land in hot water

Informal expression indicating trouble caused by one's own actions.

FAQs

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

You can use "encounter trouble" to describe situations where someone or something faces difficulties or problems, such as "The project encountered trouble due to unforeseen circumstances".

What can I say instead of "encounter trouble"?

You can use alternatives like "run into difficulties", "face challenges", or "experience problems" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "encounter trouble" or "experience difficulties"?

"Experience difficulties" tends to be slightly more formal than "encounter trouble". Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when choosing between the two.

What's the difference between "encounter trouble" and "pose trouble"?

"Encounter trouble" means to experience difficulty, while "pose trouble" means to create or present a problem for someone or something else. They describe opposite perspectives in a problematic situation.