heaps of trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heaps of trouble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is experiencing a large amount of difficulty or problems. Example: "After missing the deadline, she found herself in heaps of trouble with her boss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

ALLERGIES cause heaps of trouble.

The Economist

When Downton became Alderman's next victim, England were 116/7 and in heaps of trouble.

The Guardian - Sport

Herds of Wildebeest, Flasks of Vodka, Heaps of Trouble: An Embodied Construction Grammar Approach to English Measure Phrases.

University of California, Berkeley

Ron and Nancy Reagan's kids gave him heaps of trouble of the rebellious kind, made for TV, though Reagan was privately more permissive than his public conservatism suggested.

The Guardian

Center Dominic Raiola has heaps of trouble against meaty nose tackles in tight spaces, but he compensates with intelligence, and he's one of the few N.F.L. players who's actually gritty enough for his grit to actually mean something.

The New York Times

The people now running for president will find themselves in bigger heaps of trouble than the current one now is — trouble that this presidential campaign hasn't even dealt with.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"Boy, Buster's going to be in a heap of trouble," the caddie said.

The New York Times

Those legs — and that face! — stir up a heap of trouble all by themselves.

The New York Times

CHICAGO — "Starships" is the song that caused Nicki Minaj a heap of trouble.

The New York Times - Arts

They'll be in a "heap of trouble" if that continues, Kudlow adds.

The Guardian - Business

All of these reservations aside, it's clear Weiner's in a heap of trouble.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "heaps of trouble", consider the context and audience. It's suitable for informal or neutral situations but might be too colloquial for formal writing. In formal contexts, opt for "a lot of trouble" or "significant difficulties".

Common error

Avoid using "heaps of trouble" in professional or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it lacks the formality required for such contexts. Replace it with more appropriate alternatives like "significant difficulties" or "considerable problems".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heaps of trouble" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a state of significant difficulty or problems. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be found in a variety of sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "heaps of trouble" is a grammatically sound and generally accepted way to describe a situation involving significant problems or difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While predominantly found in news and media contexts, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "significant difficulties" in academic or professional settings. Remember to consider your audience and the level of formality required when choosing to use "heaps of trouble". While common, avoid overusing it in writing that demands a higher degree of sophistication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lot of problems

Focuses on the quantity of issues, rather than their severity or overwhelming nature.

a great deal of difficulty

Emphasizes the level of challenge involved, shifting the focus from the trouble itself.

mountains of difficulty

Uses a different metaphor to express a large quantity of problems, but retains the sense of being overwhelmed.

a world of problems

Suggests a vast and encompassing range of issues, rather than just a large quantity.

in a tight spot

Focuses on the predicament or difficult situation, rather than the amount of trouble.

deep in crisis

Implies a more severe and urgent situation than simply being in trouble.

facing numerous challenges

Presents the situation in a more formal and less alarming way, emphasizing the need to overcome obstacles.

embroiled in difficulties

Highlights being entangled or deeply involved in problems, adding a sense of complexity.

up against it

An informal expression that conveys facing significant obstacles or opposition.

in a pickle

An informal way to say you are in an awkward or difficult situation.

FAQs

What does "heaps of trouble" mean?

The phrase "heaps of trouble" means a large amount of difficulty or problems. It's an informal way to describe a situation where someone is facing significant challenges or difficulties.

How can I use "heaps of trouble" in a sentence?

You can use "heaps of trouble" to describe situations like "After missing the deadline, she found herself in heaps of trouble with her boss" or "The company is in heaps of trouble due to the recent scandal".

What can I say instead of "heaps of trouble"?

You can use alternatives like "a lot of problems", "a great deal of difficulty", or "significant difficulties" depending on the context.

Is "heaps of trouble" formal or informal?

The phrase "heaps of trouble" is generally considered informal. While grammatically correct, it's best suited for casual conversations or less formal writing. More formal alternatives include "significant problems" or "considerable difficulties".