it was a trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was a trouble" is not correct in standard written English.
A more appropriate expression would be "it was a problem" or "it was a hassle." Example: "When the project was delayed, it was a problem for the entire team."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This paper has long advocated legalisation, but has never claimed it was a trouble-free decision.

The Economist

It was a troubling reminder that their lives might depend on someone with little experience on the job.

The New York Times

But it was a troubling reminder that the aging shuttles have some inherent defects that will always pose a risk as they limp toward retirement in 2010.

The New York Times

The Middle East is but one region of the world, and it was a troubled one well before George W. Bush left Texas.

The New Yorker

"I had a small off, but otherwise it was a trouble-free day.

BBC

They are strong enough to fight for their rights, but with children it's a trouble for me.

The Guardian

It's a trouble that now burdens Obama for four more years.

Huffington Post

The shadow minister Chris Bryant, meanwhile, said it was a "bit troubling when the first Tory campaign poster has a fib".

The Guardian

Thoughtful people involved in racing knew that it was a deeply troubled sport, with a shrinking fan base, a battered reputation, and one intractable problem: the horses themselves.

The New Yorker

It was a recipe for trouble down the line.

The New York Times

It was a foretaste of trouble to come.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a difficult situation, avoid the phrase "it was a trouble". Instead, use more common and grammatically correct alternatives such as "it was a problem" or "it was a hassle".

Common error

Avoid using "trouble" directly after "a" in the same way you would use "problem" or "issue". "Trouble" often requires additional context, such as "it caused trouble" or "it was a lot of trouble".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was a trouble" functions as an attempt to describe a state or situation that is problematic or difficult. However, according to Ludwig AI, this phrasing is grammatically incorrect in standard English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was a trouble" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in standard English. As Ludwig AI points out, more appropriate alternatives include "it was a problem", "it was a hassle", or restructuring the sentence to say "it caused trouble". Using these alternatives will ensure clarity and grammatical correctness in your writing. Given its lack of presence in authoritative sources, it's best to replace it with more accepted phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a problem

Replaces "trouble" with the more standard term "problem" to denote a difficulty.

it was a hassle

Substitutes "trouble" with "hassle", indicating something that is annoying or inconvenient.

it was a difficulty

Replaces "trouble" with the more formal "difficulty", suggesting a challenge.

it was an issue

Uses "issue" instead of "trouble", implying a point of concern or debate.

it was a source of trouble

Adds "source of" to clarify that something originated the trouble or difficulty.

it presented some difficulties

Rephrases to highlight that something caused difficulties.

it was fraught with problems

Changes the structure to emphasize the presence of numerous problems.

it caused a lot of trouble

Shifts the focus to the act of causing trouble, rather than being trouble itself.

it led to complications

Indicates that something resulted in complex problems.

it proved to be challenging

Emphasizes the challenging nature of the situation.

FAQs

What's a grammatically correct way to say "it was a trouble"?

The phrase "it was a trouble" is not standard English. Instead, use alternatives such as "it was a problem", "it was a hassle", or "it caused trouble".

Is "it was a trouble" ever correct in English?

No, the phrase "it was a trouble" is not considered correct in standard written or spoken English. It's better to opt for phrases like "it was a problem" or "it presented difficulties".

How can I use the word "trouble" correctly in a sentence?

You can use "trouble" correctly by saying things like "it caused trouble", "it was a lot of trouble", or "I had trouble with it". Avoid saying "it was a trouble".

What's the difference between saying "it was a trouble" and "it was a problem"?

The phrase "it was a trouble" is grammatically incorrect, whereas "it was a problem" is a standard and accepted way to express that something caused difficulty or concern.