get in trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

"get in trouble" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone getting in a difficult or unpleasant situation due to the consequences of their own actions. For example, "If you don't do your homework, you're going to get in trouble."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'll get in trouble".

The New York Times - Sports

"We'll get in trouble".

The New Yorker

"I don't get in trouble.

The New York Times - Sports

I'd get in trouble.

The New York Times - Books

I'll get in trouble for this.

The New Yorker

"Could you get in trouble?" she asked.

The New Yorker

For... if I get in trouble.

The New Yorker

That's where you get in trouble.

The New York Times - Sports

I could get in trouble here.

The New York Times

They get in trouble for doing so.

The New York Times

"He doesn't get in trouble.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about potential negative outcomes, use "get in trouble" to clearly convey that someone's actions will lead to negative consequences. For instance, "If you skip class, you'll get in trouble with the teacher."

Common error

Avoid using "get in trouble" when describing extremely severe situations, such as major crimes. It's more appropriate for minor offenses or rule violations; for serious legal issues, use terms like "face charges" or "be prosecuted".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get in trouble" functions as a verb phrase, specifically an idiomatic expression. It describes the action of encountering negative repercussions or difficulties due to one's actions. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to express the potential for negative consequences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "get in trouble" is a versatile and widely used idiomatic expression that indicates facing negative consequences due to one's actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in written English. It is commonly found in news, media, and informal contexts, making it suitable for discussions across various audiences. While the phrase is generally appropriate, consider more formal alternatives like "face consequences" or "be held accountable" in professional or academic settings. The frequency and diverse application of "get in trouble" highlight its importance in effectively communicating potential negative outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get into hot water

An idiom similar to "get in trouble", but it often implies a slightly less serious situation.

get into a scrape

Suggests becoming involved in a minor or petty conflict or difficulty.

face consequences

Focuses on the outcome of actions rather than the act of getting into a problematic situation.

suffer the consequences

Like "face consequences", but carries a stronger sense of inevitability and suffering.

encounter difficulties

Describes experiencing hardship or problems, which might not necessarily be due to wrongdoing.

be in a predicament

Highlights being in a difficult or unpleasant situation, often implying uncertainty about how to resolve it.

find oneself in a bind

Highlights being stuck in a difficult situation, regardless of how it originated.

get reprimanded

Suggests receiving a formal rebuke or scolding, typically from an authority figure.

be penalized

Emphasizes being subjected to a punishment or penalty for an offense.

run afoul of the law

Specifically refers to breaking the law and facing legal repercussions.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "get in trouble" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "face consequences", "be held accountable", or "incur penalties" instead of "get in trouble".

Is "get in trouble" appropriate for all age groups?

"Get in trouble" is generally suitable for discussions about children and adults, although specific situations may warrant more precise language. For instance, "face disciplinary action" might be more appropriate in a school context.

What's the difference between "get in trouble" and "be in trouble"?

"Get in trouble" implies the action that leads to the problematic situation, while "be in trouble" describes the state of already being in that situation.

When is it better to use "get into hot water" instead of "get in trouble"?

"Get into hot water" is a suitable substitution for "get in trouble" when the issue is less severe, and it emphasizes that the person has acted unwisely and is now in trouble as a result. For instance, "He'll get into hot water if he keeps skipping work".