has been in trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been in trouble" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that has experienced difficulties or problems in the past and may still be facing issues. Example: "The company has been in trouble since the financial crisis, struggling to regain its footing in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Club Med has been in trouble for almost a decade.

The Economist

Almost everyone who has it has been in trouble.

The Guardian

His bowling has been in trouble for months.

Independent

Mr. Banks has been in trouble before, police officials said.

The New York Times

Boulerice, 29, has been in trouble before for violent conduct.

The New York Times

The academy has been in trouble, all agree.

The New York Times

Ukraine has been in trouble for ages, but now it is really struggling.

The Economist

His companion was told that Mr Ai had "other business".He has been in trouble before.

The Economist

Argentina, he said, has been in trouble, on and off, for 70 years.

The Economist

This is not the first time he has been in trouble.

The Economist

But this is not the first time McDonald's has been in trouble.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add impact, specify the duration for how long the person or entity "has been in trouble".

Common error

Avoid using "has been in trouble" without providing specific details or context. Vague statements can leave the audience confused about the nature and severity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been in trouble" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating that someone or something has experienced a period of difficulty or adversity. Ludwig AI shows the phrase is commonly used in diverse contexts to describe past or ongoing issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has been in trouble" is a versatile expression used to describe past or ongoing difficulties faced by an individual, organization, or entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to provide specific details about the nature and extent of the trouble to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "has experienced difficulties" or "has faced challenges" can be used for greater precision. Understanding its usage and potential alternatives allows for clearer and more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been struggling

Indicates ongoing effort against difficulties, implying a lack of success.

has experienced difficulties

Focuses on the act of experiencing problems, less direct than being "in trouble".

has encountered problems

Highlights the occurrence of specific issues, rather than a general state of being "in trouble".

has been having a hard time

A more empathetic and less formal way of saying someone is experiencing difficulties.

has been under pressure

Highlights the external forces causing strain and difficulty.

has faced challenges

Emphasizes overcoming obstacles, suggesting resilience in the face of adversity.

has been going through a rough patch

Implies a temporary period of difficulty, suggesting eventual improvement.

has been facing adversity

Focuses on the external conditions causing difficulty, rather than internal struggles.

has been in hot water

Suggests trouble specifically related to actions that have angered someone.

has been walking a tightrope

Conveys a sense of precariousness and the need for careful action to avoid disaster.

FAQs

How can I use "has been in trouble" in a sentence?

You can use "has been in trouble" to describe a person, organization, or entity that is experiencing difficulties or problems. For example, "The company "has been in trouble" since the recession".

What are some alternatives to "has been in trouble"?

Alternatives include "has experienced difficulties", "has faced challenges", or "has been struggling", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "has been in trouble" and "is in trouble"?

"Has been in trouble" implies a past state of difficulty that may or may not be ongoing, while "is in trouble" indicates a current state of difficulty.

Is it appropriate to use "has been in trouble" in formal writing?

Yes, "has been in trouble" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news reports or analytical pieces. However, consider using more precise alternatives like "has encountered problems" for enhanced clarity in some contexts.