in trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in trouble" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a person or thing that is experiencing difficulty or complications due to a particular issue or situation. For example, "The company is in trouble after its poor performance in the last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Africa is in trouble.

Progress in Planning

Lemurs are in trouble.

The New York Times

We're in trouble again.

The New Yorker

"We'll get in trouble".

The New Yorker

I was in trouble.

The Guardian

" 'You're in trouble, Joe.

The New York Times

Jacques in trouble.

The New York Times

Never been in trouble.

The New York Times

He was in trouble.

The New York Times - Magazine

Europe is in trouble.

The New York Times

"In trouble," he replied.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in trouble" when you want to convey that someone or something is experiencing difficulties, facing potential punishment, or is in a problematic situation. Be mindful of the specific nuance you intend to convey, as it can range from mild inconvenience to severe consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "in trouble" for trivial situations. Overusing the phrase in minor contexts can diminish its impact when describing genuinely serious predicaments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in trouble" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of difficulty, distress, or potential punishment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in trouble" is a common and versatile expression used to describe a state of difficulty, distress, or potential punishment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts. It functions as a prepositional phrase, primarily to convey that someone or something is experiencing problems, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. Common alternatives include "in difficulty" and "in hot water". Be mindful of the severity you intend to convey and avoid overuse in trivial situations. Top sources include The New York Times and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in difficulty

Focuses on the state of facing challenges or obstacles.

in a predicament

Highlights a difficult or unpleasant situation.

in a jam

Emphasizes being stuck or trapped in a problematic situation.

in a bind

Suggests a restrictive or difficult situation with limited options.

in hot water

Indicates being in a situation where one is likely to face criticism or punishment.

in the doghouse

Implies being temporarily out of favor, often due to a mistake or misjudgment.

in a mess

Highlights a state of disarray or chaos.

facing repercussions

Focuses on the negative consequences of one's actions.

up against it

Suggests facing significant opposition or adversity.

on the hook

Implies being responsible or accountable for something, often a problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "in trouble" to describe someone facing difficulties or potential punishment. For example, "The company is "in trouble" due to declining sales" or "He's "in trouble" with his teacher for not completing his homework".

What are some alternatives to saying "in trouble"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "in difficulty", "in a predicament", or "in hot water" as alternatives to "in trouble".

Is it correct to say "in a trouble" instead of "in trouble"?

No, the correct phrase is "in trouble". The phrase "in a trouble" is grammatically incorrect and not commonly used in English.

What's the difference between "in trouble" and "having trouble"?

"In trouble" typically implies a problematic situation or potential punishment, while "having trouble" suggests difficulty or struggle with something. For instance, "He is "in trouble" for breaking the law" versus "He's "having trouble" understanding the concept".