is in trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is in trouble" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone or something is facing difficulties or challenges. Example: "The company is in trouble due to declining sales and increased competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mandate is in trouble.

The New York Times

Europe is in trouble.

The New York Times

Pamina is in trouble.

The New York Times - Arts

TURNER is in trouble.

The Economist

MANUFACTURING is in trouble.

The Economist

Indiana itself is in trouble.

The Economist

The eel is in trouble.

Independent

The eurozone is in trouble.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Not everybody is in trouble".

The New York Times

The Indus is in trouble.

Independent

Tourist industry is in trouble.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "is in trouble", ensure the context clearly defines the nature of the trouble. Provide specific details or examples to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is in trouble" without specifying the cause or nature of the problem. General statements can leave the reader confused. Instead of saying "The project is in trouble", clarify with "The project is in trouble due to budget overruns and missed deadlines".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is in trouble" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a subject as being in a problematic or difficult situation. As noted by Ludwig, it's a common expression used across various contexts to indicate adversity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Social Media

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is in trouble" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey that someone or something is facing difficulties or adversity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely accepted and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, it's best to provide specific details about the nature of the trouble to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "faces difficulties" or "is at risk" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. So, while "is in trouble" is perfectly acceptable, clarity and context are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faces difficulties

Focuses on the act of confronting challenges, rather than necessarily being overwhelmed by them.

is in jeopardy

Implies a high risk of failure, loss, or harm.

is facing hardship

Highlights the experience of enduring difficult conditions or circumstances.

is under threat

Focuses on the presence of a perceived danger or menace.

is experiencing adversity

Emphasizes the presence of unfavorable or challenging conditions.

is in a predicament

Indicates a difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation.

is at risk

Indicates a state of potential danger or harm.

is on the brink

Highlights the precariousness of a situation that is close to a critical point.

is endangered

Suggests a serious threat to survival or well-being.

is up against it

An informal way of saying someone is facing significant challenges or opposition.

FAQs

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

You can use "is in trouble" to describe a person, organization, or thing that is facing difficulties or problems. For example, "The company "is in trouble" due to declining sales".

What are some alternatives to saying "is in trouble"?

Alternatives include phrases like "faces difficulties", "is at risk", or "is endangered", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is in trouble"?

Yes, the phrase "is in trouble" is grammatically correct and widely used in English to indicate that someone or something is experiencing difficulties or problems.

What's the difference between "is in trouble" and "is in jeopardy"?

"Is in trouble" generally suggests a difficult situation, while "is in jeopardy" implies a more serious risk of failure, loss, or harm. The latter is often used in situations where the stakes are higher.