it foreshadows trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it foreshadows trouble" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something is a sign or warning of potential problems or difficulties to come. Example: "The sudden drop in sales figures foreshadows trouble for the company's financial stability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Carter's trouble fighting off Ted Kennedy certainly foreshadowed trouble in November.

The Guardian - Opinion

The same issues could well foreshadow trouble ahead for similar "personhood" initiatives now being planned in other states by organizers from Colorado.

The New York Times - Health

The return to more centrist policies could foreshadow trouble for Trump's tax plan, which is based on the same concepts that guided Brownback's overhaul beginning in 2012.

The Washington Post

The results foreshadow trouble as states prepare to implement the Common Core State Standards, a set of educational goals that holds students accountable to the ACT's specific definition of college and career readiness.

Huffington Post

It foreshadows a future confrontation.

The Guardian - Books

In some respects, it foreshadows Arthur Miller.

Independent

It foreshadows how America's longest war will end.

The Economist

It foreshadows the style of her future memoirs.

The New York Times - Books

This is not the ending to the book, but it foreshadows the ending to the book.

Cornell University

It foreshadows an exciting future for 3D filmmaking.

Vice

Does it foreshadow a terrific season?

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it foreshadows trouble", ensure the context clearly establishes what "it" refers to. This makes the sentence more direct and understandable for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it foreshadows trouble" in situations where the potential problem is already obvious. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound melodramatic or clichéd.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it foreshadows trouble" functions as a predictive statement. It serves as a pronoun referring to a specific situation, event, or indicator, while foreshadows trouble acts as a verb phrase predicting potential future difficulties. The examples from Ludwig support its use in forecasting negative outcomes based on current signs.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it foreshadows trouble" is grammatically correct and used to predict potential future difficulties based on current events. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, the phrase appears to be missing from our current dataset. Alternatives such as "it signals impending problems" or "it hints at future difficulties" can be used to convey a similar meaning. The phrase is generally suitable for neutral contexts like news articles or analytical reports and care should be taken not to overuse it in overly dramatic circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it portends difficulties

Replaces "foreshadows" with "portends", a more formal synonym, and "trouble" with "difficulties", offering a more sophisticated tone.

it signals impending problems

Substitutes "foreshadows" with "signals" and "trouble" with "impending problems", suggesting a clearer and more immediate warning.

it hints at future difficulties

Uses "hints at" instead of "foreshadows", indicating a more subtle suggestion of potential problems using the adjective "future" instead of "impending".

it suggests future complications

Replaces "foreshadows" with "suggests" and "trouble" with "future complications", implying a more complex set of problems.

it bodes ill for the future

Employs the idiom "bodes ill" to replace "foreshadows trouble", conveying a sense of impending misfortune.

it spells difficulties ahead

Replaces "foreshadows" with "spells" emphasizing that the future "difficulties" are unavoidable.

it presages future issues

Substitutes "foreshadows" with "presages", a more formal synonym, and "trouble" with "future issues", softening the negative connotation.

it anticipates coming hardship

Uses "anticipates" instead of "foreshadows" and "coming hardship" instead of "trouble", suggesting a proactive awareness of potential difficulties.

it warns of impending difficulties

Replaces "foreshadows" with "warns of", making the warning explicit, and "trouble" with "impending difficulties".

it indicates approaching problems

Substitutes "foreshadows" with "indicates" and "trouble" with "approaching problems", highlighting the proximity of the potential difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "it foreshadows trouble" in a sentence?

Use "it foreshadows trouble" to indicate that a current situation or event suggests potential future problems. For example: "The company's declining profits "it foreshadows trouble" for their long-term sustainability".

What are some alternatives to "it foreshadows trouble"?

You can use alternatives like "it signals impending problems", "it hints at future difficulties", or "it bodes ill for the future depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it foreshadows trouble" or "it foreshadows problems"?

Both "it foreshadows trouble" and "it foreshadows problems" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the specific context and desired tone. "Trouble" is more general, while "problems" suggests more specific issues.

What's the difference between "it foreshadows trouble" and "it suggests future complications"?

"It foreshadows trouble" implies a more direct prediction of negative outcomes. "It suggests future complications" is a more subtle hint at potentially complex issues arising in the future.