get into trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

"get into trouble" is correct and usable in written English.
An example sentence is: "If you don't finish your homework on time, you will get into trouble".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some get into trouble.

The Economist

You get into trouble.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Lohan, Lindsay Continues to get into trouble.

The New York Times

This is when you get into trouble".

The New York Times

That's where you get into trouble.

The New York Times

Banks normally get into trouble in recessions.

The Economist

This is where we get into trouble.

The New York Times - Magazine

You can get into trouble very quickly.

Independent

Would the pilot get into trouble?

The New York Times

You can get into trouble with that".

Independent

"Few businesses get into trouble over night.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing potential consequences of actions, use "get into trouble" to clearly convey the risk of negative outcomes or repercussions.

Common error

While "get into trouble" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated synonyms like "face repercussions" or "encounter difficulties" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "get into trouble" is as a verb phrase. It typically functions as the predicate of a clause, describing an action or state of encountering difficulties or negative consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

18%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get into trouble" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe encountering problems or negative consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, though it leans toward neutral to informal settings. Predominantly found in News & Media, its versatility extends to Wiki and academic discussions. Alternative phrases like "face repercussions" or "encounter problems" can offer a more formal tone when needed. It's crucial to consider the context and audience when choosing the most suitable expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be in deep trouble

Emphasizes the severity of the situation.

get in hot water

Is an idiom that means to be in trouble.

get into a scrape

Indicates involvement in a minor conflict or troublesome situation.

find oneself in difficulty

Uses more formal vocabulary to describe facing a challenging situation.

land in a mess

Emphasizes the disorganized and complicated nature of the situation.

encounter problems

Focuses on the experience of facing difficulties.

be in a predicament

Highlights the difficult or unpleasant situation one is in.

face repercussions

Highlights the negative consequences of actions.

run afoul of the law

Specifically refers to breaking the law and facing legal consequences.

face disciplinary action

Suggests a formal process of addressing misconduct or rule violations.

FAQs

What does it mean to "get into trouble"?

To "get into trouble" means to encounter problems, difficulties, or negative consequences, often as a result of one's actions. It can range from minor scolding to serious legal repercussions.

How can I use "get into trouble" in a sentence?

You can use "get into trouble" in various contexts. For example: "If you don't follow the rules, you'll "get into trouble" with the teacher" or "He didn't want to "get into trouble", so he obeyed the law.

What are some alternative ways to say "get into trouble"?

Some alternatives include "face repercussions", "encounter problems", "get in hot water", or "land in a mess" depending on the specific context.

Is "getting into trouble" grammatically correct?

Yes, "getting into trouble" is grammatically correct. It is the present participle form of the verb phrase "get into trouble" and is commonly used in continuous tenses or as a gerund.