fraught with trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fraught with trouble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is filled with difficulties or problems. Example: "The project was fraught with trouble from the very beginning, leading to numerous delays and setbacks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Years of immunology research has convinced Baker that viral methods are fraught with trouble, because of the severe immune reaction they trigger.

MIT Technology Review

He finds that injections of heparin, an anti-clotting agent, or the use of flight stockings, which keep blood circulating in the legs, can help to reduce the incidence of DVT in these passengers.This whole area of research is fraught with trouble.

The Economist

An unviable and truncated Palestinian state would satisfy no one, while political arrangements of the kind often canvassed in Israel and now being discussed anew, under which Gaza might be federated in some way to Egypt and a series of West Bank fragments somehow glued on to Jordan, would be short lived and fraught with trouble.

The Guardian - Books

Until recently, that process was fraught with trouble and high quality recording equipment was difficult to obtain and expensive.

TechCrunch

(Words like these are fraught with trouble, so I am using them loosely).

Huffington Post

(Words like these are fraught with trouble, so I am using them loosely). Put together two devout Catholics on opposite sides of the abortion debate, or two Baptists with different views of scripture, and the conversation has the potential to get long, loud and angry.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Two separate narratives about the school have emerged: one public and one private; one filled with success, the other fraught with troubles.

The New York Times

He really seems to know what he's getting into". So it was that the Department of Children's Services, fraught with troubles since its inception, came under the leadership of its third permanent director in six years.

Los Angeles Times

That's according to a report by the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee released Tuesday evening that found the work of some 77 U.S. "Fusion Centers" launched since 2003 have been fraught with troubles -- including trampling constitutionally protected activities -- while the Department of Homeland Security cannot even say how much has been spent on the effort.

Huffington Post

The move from foggy English suburbia to glinting Mediterranean hills is like the lights being turned on, albeit fraught with new troubles.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In this turbulent age of excess and superficiality, how refreshing to know that Franciscan communities devoted to simplicity, prayer and service to others exist in the midst of urban areas fraught with myriad troubles.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fraught with trouble", ensure the context clearly establishes what the 'trouble' entails. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "fraught with trouble" for minor inconveniences. The phrase implies significant difficulties or potential for serious negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fraught with trouble" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe something as being filled with difficulties or potential problems. Ludwig examples show it used to describe situations, processes, or areas of research.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fraught with trouble" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe situations filled with difficulties or potential problems. Ludwig AI indicates it's suitable for neutral to formal contexts, commonly appearing in news and media. While not exceptionally frequent, understanding its connotations of significant difficulty is key to using it effectively. Remember to specify what constitutes the 'trouble' and avoid using it for minor issues. Alternatives such as "beset by difficulties" or "ridden with problems" can offer nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beset by difficulties

Emphasizes being persistently affected by difficulties, slightly different in focus from the potential for problems.

ridden with problems

Highlights the abundance of problems, suggesting a more severe situation.

full of complications

Focuses on the intricate and complex nature of the difficulties.

teeming with issues

Implies a situation overflowing with problems, emphasizing quantity.

laden with hardship

Highlights the burden and severity of the difficulties involved.

replete with challenges

Focuses on the presence of demanding tasks or obstacles.

plagued by adversity

Suggests ongoing suffering and misfortune as a central theme.

marked by setbacks

Emphasizes specific instances of failure or delay, rather than a general condition.

beset with misfortune

Focuses on bad luck and adverse circumstances affecting the situation.

complicated by issues

Highlights that issues are making the situation more complex.

FAQs

How can I use "fraught with trouble" in a sentence?

Use "fraught with trouble" to describe situations or processes filled with difficulties or potential problems. For example, "The negotiations were fraught with trouble from the start."

What are some alternatives to "fraught with trouble"?

You can use alternatives like "beset by difficulties", "full of complications", or "ridden with problems", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'fraught with problems' instead of "fraught with trouble"?

Yes, "fraught with problems" is a very similar and often interchangeable phrase. Both indicate a situation filled with difficulties. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.

What's the difference between "fraught with trouble" and "fraught with danger"?

"Fraught with trouble" implies difficulties and problems, while "fraught with danger" suggests potential harm or risk. The former focuses on challenges, the latter on potential threats.