is in trouble with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is in trouble with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is facing difficulties or issues with a person, authority, or organization. Example: "He is in trouble with his boss for missing the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

To recap for those just entering the story: Hungary is in trouble with its critics right now because of the new and troubling constitutional Fourth Amendment that just went into effect, adding to three years of other troubling legal developments.

The New York Times

Boris Johnson is in trouble with the police.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the bull itself is in trouble with the law.

The New York Times

He knows who pays their bills and who is in trouble with the law.

The New York Times - Travel

"There's no truth in the story that Danny Dyer is in trouble with BBC bosses".

The Guardian

The Borussia coach Jürgen Klopp, meanwhile, is in trouble with the authorities.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Now he's in trouble with HR.

The Washington Post

He was in trouble with the law.

The New York Times

Before his arrest, Trini had been in trouble with authorities.

The New York Times

But it was in trouble with the State Department of Health.

The New York Times

"You ever been in trouble with the wife?" he begins.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is in trouble with" when you want to indicate someone is facing negative consequences or difficulties as a result of their actions or situation in relation to a specific person, entity or authority.

Common error

Avoid using "is in trouble with" for general problems or situations not involving a specific entity. Instead of saying "The project is in trouble with delays", specify who or what the project is in trouble with, for example: "The project is in trouble with the investors."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is in trouble with" functions as a predicate indicating that a subject is experiencing difficulties or facing negative consequences due to their relationship or interaction with a specific person, group, or entity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is in trouble with" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey that someone is facing difficulties or negative consequences due to their relationship or actions related to a specific entity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Predominantly found in News & Media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "is facing difficulties with" or "is having problems with" to provide nuanced expression. When using the phrase, ensure it clearly indicates the specific entity or person with whom the subject is experiencing issues to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is facing difficulties with

Focuses on the challenges experienced, rather than the conflict itself.

is having problems with

A more general way to express that someone is experiencing issues.

is at odds with

Highlights a state of disagreement or conflict.

is in conflict with

Emphasizes a direct clash or disagreement.

is in hot water with

Implies a more serious or precarious situation.

is on bad terms with

Describes a damaged or strained relationship.

is in disagreement with

Focuses specifically on a difference of opinion.

has issues with

A more informal way of saying someone has problems.

is liable to

Indicates potential legal or disciplinary consequences.

is at loggerheads with

Highlights a state of deadlock or irreconcilable differences.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is in trouble with" indicates that someone is facing difficulties or negative consequences due to their actions or circumstances. For instance, "The student "is in trouble with" the teacher for not completing the assignment" or "The company "is in trouble with" the authorities for violating environmental regulations."

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

You can use alternatives such as "is facing difficulties with", "is having problems with", or "is at odds with" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "is in trouble with" in formal writing?

Yes, "is in trouble with" can be used in formal writing, especially when reporting factual information about someone's situation. However, consider the tone and audience. In very formal or academic contexts, more precise or nuanced language might be preferable.

What is the difference between "is in trouble with" and "is in trouble"?

"Is in trouble" generally implies a problematic situation without specifying who or what is causing the trouble. "Is in trouble with" specifies the entity or person with whom the trouble exists. For example, "The team is in trouble" suggests the team is facing challenges, while "The team "is in trouble with" the league" indicates a conflict with the league authorities.