is having trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is having trouble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something experiencing difficulties or challenges in a particular situation. Example: "She is having trouble understanding the new software, despite the training sessions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Amadeo is having trouble breathing.

The New Yorker

She is having trouble raising campaign cash.

The New York Times

Already, Pat Mathis is having trouble sleeping.

The New York Times - Sports

But Novelis is having trouble finding followers.

The Guardian

But he is having trouble fitting in.

The New York Times

"If a child is having trouble breathing, then he most certainly is having trouble learning.

The New York Times

The next generation, however, is having trouble gaining traction.

The New Yorker

In Haiti, Mr. Constant's boss is having trouble replacing him.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, the EU is having trouble showing a united front.

The Economist

Tracy is having trouble fitting in at school.

The New Yorker

But he is having trouble convincing his people.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is having trouble" to describe ongoing difficulties or challenges someone or something is currently facing. For example, "The company is having trouble adapting to the new market conditions."

Common error

Avoid using "is having trouble" to describe a problem that has already been resolved. Instead, use past tense constructions like "had trouble" or "experienced difficulties".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is having trouble" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an ongoing state of difficulty or challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and widely applicable. It connects a subject with an experience of difficulty, whether physical, mental, or situational, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is having trouble" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that someone or something is currently facing difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. Its function is to report or inform about an ongoing struggle, and its register is generally neutral, suitable for both formal and informal settings. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase appears most frequently in news and media, but also finds use in wikis and business contexts. Alternative phrases, like "is experiencing difficulty" or "is struggling with", can add nuance to your writing depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is experiencing difficulty

Replaces "trouble" with a more formal synonym, "difficulty".

is struggling with

Uses "struggling" to emphasize the effort being exerted to overcome the difficulty.

is facing challenges

Emphasizes the obstacles or hurdles encountered.

is finding it difficult to

Expresses the difficulty more explicitly.

is running into problems

Indicates the occurrence of unexpected issues.

is in a predicament

Highlights a difficult or unpleasant situation.

is up against it

An idiomatic expression indicating facing significant difficulties.

is not succeeding at

Focuses on the lack of success in achieving a goal.

is faltering in

Implies a weakening or decline in performance.

is laboring under

Suggests being burdened by difficulties.

FAQs

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

Use "is having trouble" to describe an ongoing difficulty or challenge. For example, "The student is having trouble understanding the concept."

What are some alternatives to "is having trouble"?

You can use alternatives like "is experiencing difficulty", "is struggling with", or "is facing challenges" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "is having trouble" or "is having problems"?

Both "is having trouble" and "is having problems" are correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "is having trouble" and "is having difficulty"?

"Is having trouble" and "is having difficulty" are very similar in meaning, but "is having difficulty" sounds slightly more formal. "Is having trouble" is more common in everyday conversation.