have trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

'have trouble' is correct and usable in written English.
It could be used in a sentence such as: "I have been having trouble sleeping lately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"They have trouble sleeping".

The New York Times

They have trouble reading.

The New York Times - Arts

They have trouble concentrating.

The New York Times

"Iraqis have trouble understanding Americans".

The New Yorker

Sometimes he'd have trouble sleeping.

The New Yorker

"They have trouble trusting it".

The New York Times

Do you have trouble focusing?

The New York Times

I HAVE trouble with optimism.

The New York Times

"I have trouble, actually".

The New York Times

I have trouble walking.

The New York Times - Health

I have trouble sleeping".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have trouble", ensure the verb following it is in the gerund form (e.g., "have trouble sleeping", not "have trouble sleep").

Common error

Avoid using the base form of a verb directly after "have trouble". It's grammatically incorrect to say "have trouble understand". Instead, use the gerund form: "have trouble understanding".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "have trouble" is to express difficulty or problems in performing an action. It functions as a verb phrase indicating that someone is experiencing some sort of challenge. This is supported by Ludwig examples where it's followed by a gerund, as in "have trouble sleeping".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have trouble" is a common and grammatically correct way to express difficulty or problems. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general writing. When using this phrase, remember to follow it with a gerund (verb ending in -ing). While generally neutral in register, more formal situations might benefit from using synonyms like "experience difficulty". By understanding its proper usage and common contexts, you can confidently incorporate "have trouble" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experience difficulty

Emphasizes the experience of facing challenges.

encounter problems

Highlights the occurrence of issues or problems.

struggle with

Focuses on the effort and difficulty involved in doing something.

find it difficult to

Directly states the difficulty encountered.

have a hard time

An informal way to express difficulty.

face challenges

Emphasizes the challenges that one must confront.

labor under

Implies working with an encumbrance.

grapple with

Suggests a physical or mental struggle.

contend with

Implies dealing with something problematic.

be hard pressed

Suggests a state of facing significant pressure or difficulties.

FAQs

How do I use "have trouble" in a sentence?

The phrase "have trouble" is typically followed by a gerund (verb ending in -ing). For example, "I "have trouble sleeping"" or "They "have trouble understanding" the instructions".

What's the difference between "have trouble" and "have difficulty"?

While both phrases express a lack of ease, "have trouble" is generally considered more informal than "have difficulty". You can use them interchangeably in many contexts, but "have difficulty" might be preferred in formal writing.

Which is correct, "have trouble to understand" or "have trouble understanding"?

"Have trouble understanding" is the correct form. The phrase "have trouble" should be followed by a gerund (verb ending in -ing), not an infinitive (to + verb).

What can I say instead of "have trouble"?

You can use alternatives such as "struggle with", "experience difficulty", or "find it difficult to depending on the context".