is proving troublesome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is proving troublesome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation or issue that is becoming increasingly difficult or problematic. Example: "The new software update is proving troublesome for many users, causing unexpected crashes and errors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

market is proving troublesome for traditional firms.

The New York Times

The signs are, however, that even this is proving troublesome.

The Economist

But finding the oil to fill such a tubby tube is proving troublesome.

The Economist

"Ruud has this injury at the bottom of his calf and it is proving troublesome," Ferguson said.

The Guardian - Sport

The disposal of W&G is proving troublesome and expensive for RBS, which stunned the City last month by admitting it was abandoning its attempt to float the business on the stock market.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

On the wharf where he rents space, he said, an artist and a drum circle were good neighbors but a Zumba studio was proving troublesome.

The New York Times

Earwigs, another unwelcome import, have begun to spread significantly throughout the capital, Stanley, and are proving troublesome for horticulture on the islands, where growing fruit and vegetables is already difficult.

Independent

Attempts to spin off Postbank are proving troublesome and a report on Wednesday suggested that Deutsche would have to write down the value of the business by a third to €2.8bn (£2.2beforefore it could proceed any further.

The Guardian - Business

Richard Hunter, at Hargreaves Lansdown Stockbrokers, said that resolving these issues was proving troublesome: "The clear fly in the ointment is the additional provisions undertaken for the forex investigation and litigation, as well as the seemingly perennial PPI situation.

BBC

Niki Lauda also used the car to qualify for that race, as the new BT48 was proving troublesome, although he did race the new car.

Wikipedia

There was no obvious replacement for Meyer; like many counties Somerset would not consider having a professional captain, and finding an amateur with the time and money to lead the side was proving troublesome.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is proving troublesome", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is and why it is causing difficulty. This enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "is proving troublesome" leans toward a more formal register. In casual conversations, consider using alternatives like "is causing problems" or "is a pain" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is proving troublesome" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present continuous form, indicating an ongoing process of something becoming problematic. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is proving troublesome" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that signifies an ongoing process of something becoming problematic. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for written English, particularly in neutral to formal contexts like news articles and reports. While the phrase isn't overly common, it effectively communicates an increasing difficulty or challenge. For more casual settings, simpler alternatives may be preferred. The phrase appears in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, demonstrating its acceptance in professional writing. Understanding the nuances of this phrase allows writers to accurately convey the evolving nature of problematic situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is becoming problematic

Focuses on the emergence of problems rather than the act of proving.

is turning into a problem

Implies a gradual shift towards a problematic situation.

is posing difficulties

Highlights the challenges or obstacles being created.

is creating complications

Emphasizes the introduction of complexity and entanglement.

is giving rise to issues

Suggests the emergence of new problems.

is presenting challenges

Focuses on the demanding nature of the situation.

is generating concerns

Highlights the worries or anxieties produced by the situation.

is becoming unwieldy

Focuses more specifically on difficulty managing or handling something.

is engendering difficulties

Similar to 'posing difficulties' but a bit more formal.

is resulting in complications

Highlights the final result of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "is proving troublesome" in a sentence?

Use "is proving troublesome" to describe a situation or task that is becoming increasingly difficult or problematic. For example: "The new software integration is proving troublesome".

What are some alternatives to "is proving troublesome"?

You can use alternatives like "is becoming problematic", "is posing difficulties", or "is creating complications" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is proving troublesome"?

This phrase is suitable for formal and semi-formal contexts, such as news reports, business communications, or academic papers. In casual settings, simpler phrases might be more appropriate.

Is there a difference between "is proving troublesome" and "is troublesome"?

"Is troublesome" describes a general characteristic, while "is proving troublesome" indicates a situation that is currently becoming difficult. For example, "That task is troublesome" suggests it's generally difficult, whereas "That task is proving troublesome" means it's become difficult recently.