ever more troublesome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ever more troublesome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or issue that is increasingly causing problems or difficulties over time. Example: "As the project progressed, the lack of communication became ever more troublesome for the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This is a good time to take stock of Martin, the ascetic abstractionist, and of the dedicated idealism, an ever more troublesome characteristic of modern art, for which she stands.

The New Yorker

"I had spent most of 1994 in and out of hospital in England trying to deal with an ever more troublesome liver which almost killed me twice," he recalled earlier this year.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

If anything, Afghanistan in 2013 may prove even more troublesome.

The Guardian

Through 2014, the ultras became even more troublesome.

The Guardian

Or will they surrender?The Angolans may be even more troublesome.

The Economist

The revenue picture looks even more troublesome when seen in terms of dollars, not percentages.

The New York Times

Lil' Blake proved even more troublesome than Lil' Penny, committing multiple homicides.

The New York Times

He warned, "If they were left to govern themselves, they might become more troublesome to us, in our commerce to the West Indies, than the Algerines ever were in the Mediterranean; they might also become dangerous neighbors to the Southern States, and an asylum for renegades from those parts".

Huffington Post

Preliminary hearings are more troublesome.

The New York Times

National policy, however, is more troublesome.

The Economist

The offense is a more troublesome matter.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ever more troublesome" to describe situations where the level of difficulty or concern is actively increasing, not just remaining constant. It emphasizes a trend.

Common error

Avoid using "ever more troublesome" to describe a problem that has always been difficult. This phrase suggests a worsening condition over time, not a constant state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ever more troublesome" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a progressive increase in the level of difficulty or problem associated with it. It highlights a trend of something becoming increasingly problematic over time, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ever more troublesome" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe a situation that is increasingly problematic over time. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, to emphasize a growing concern or difficulty. While related phrases like ""increasingly problematic"" or ""growingly bothersome"" can be used as alternatives, it's important to reserve "ever more troublesome" for situations that are actively worsening, rather than describing a static problem. This ensures clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasingly problematic

Focuses on the escalation of problems associated with something.

progressively more difficult

Highlights the gradual increase in difficulty.

growingly bothersome

Emphasizes the increasing annoyance or irritation caused.

becoming more of a headache

Implies that something is developing into a significant source of trouble.

an escalating problem

Indicates the problem is intensifying over time.

increasingly challenging

Suggests a rising level of challenge or complexity.

more and more vexing

Emphasizes the growing frustration something causes.

exceedingly thorny

Implies the increasing complexity and delicacy of the subject.

progressively more burdensome

Highlights the gradual increase in the load or strain caused by something.

becoming a bigger burden

Implies a growing weight or difficulty is being added.

FAQs

How can I use "ever more troublesome" in a sentence?

You can use "ever more troublesome" to describe something that is increasingly causing problems or difficulties over time. For example: "As the project progressed, the lack of communication became "ever more troublesome" for the team."

What is a good substitute for "ever more troublesome"?

Alternatives include "increasingly problematic", "progressively more difficult", or "growingly bothersome", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "ever more troublesome" the same as "even more troublesome"?

"Ever more troublesome" implies a continuing increase in trouble over time, while "even more troublesome" suggests a state that is currently more troublesome than before, without necessarily implying a continuous trend.

When is it appropriate to use "ever more troublesome" in writing?

It is appropriate when describing situations where a problem or difficulty is actively escalating. Avoid using it for static or unchanging problems. For example, you might say, "The regulations became "ever more troublesome" as new amendments were added."