is troubling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is troubling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express concern or discomfort about a situation or issue. Example: "The recent rise in cyberbullying is troubling for many parents and educators."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

It is troubling.

The New York Times

This is troubling.

The New York Times

That is troubling.

The Economist

His reluctance is troubling.

The New York Times

The trend is troubling.

The New York Times

His assassination is troubling.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Wyden, too, is troubled.

The New Yorker

But Farley is troubled.

Forbes

The U.S. economy is troubled.

Forbes

His soul is troubled.

Huffington Post

But it is troubled.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is troubling" to express concern about a situation, trend, or observation, especially when you want to convey a sense of unease or worry without necessarily implying immediate danger.

Common error

While "is troubling" is grammatically correct, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "is worrying" or "is concerning" may be more appropriate in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is troubling" functions as a copular verb followed by an adjective, modifying a subject to express that it causes concern or unease. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and usable in written English. It is used to express a subjective assessment of a situation or event.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is troubling" is a versatile expression used to convey concern or unease. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media contexts. While it's appropriate for formal writing, simpler alternatives may be preferable in casual settings. To effectively use "is troubling", consider the specific nuance you want to convey and choose related phrases accordingly. Understanding the connotations of words like "disturbing", "concerning", or "worrisome" can allow for a more precise expression of concern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is concerning

Direct synonym, indicating a cause for worry or unease, similar in intensity to "is troubling".

is worrisome

Similar to "is concerning", highlighting the potential for negative outcomes and anxiety.

is disturbing

Implies a deeper level of unease, suggesting something unsettling or disruptive.

is unsettling

Suggests a disruption of peace or stability, creating a sense of unease.

is alarming

Indicates a sudden realization of potential danger or a cause for immediate concern.

gives cause for concern

Shifts the focus to the reason for the concern, rather than the feeling itself.

raises concerns

Similar to 'gives cause for concern', emphasizing the act of generating worry.

is a cause for alarm

Stronger than "is troubling", indicating a significant and immediate threat.

presents a problem

Downplays the emotional aspect, focusing on the practical difficulty or challenge.

is a matter of concern

Formal and emphasizes the significance of the issue.

FAQs

What does "is troubling" mean?

The phrase "is troubling" means that something is causing worry, anxiety, or unease. It suggests that a situation or piece of information is concerning or disturbing.

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

You can use "is troubling" to describe something that is causing you concern. For example, "The increase in unemployment rates "is troubling"" or "His sudden change in behavior "is troubling"."

What can I say instead of "is troubling"?

You can use alternatives like "is concerning", "is worrisome", or "is disturbing" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is troubling" or "is troubled"?

"Is troubling" describes something that causes concern, while "is troubled" describes someone who is experiencing distress or worry. For example, "The news is troubling" (the news is concerning) versus "He is troubled by the news" (he is worried by the news).