it was troublesome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was troublesome" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or experience that caused difficulty or inconvenience. Example: "The project was delayed because it was troublesome to coordinate with all the different teams involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"It was troublesome". Graham reported from Washington.

The Washington Post

It was troublesome, because it brought up Joe McEwing, who has become a nemesis of Johnson's.

The New York Times - Sports

His attacks were relentless and without mercy, the smaller man receiving a proper pasting, it was troublesome to watch.

Independent

"It was troublesome that he was able to move this much gear into the hotel unassisted," the sheriff said.

The New York Times

It was troublesome enough that all the world's dignitaries were coming to town at the same time.

The New York Times

Still, the judge recognized that it was troublesome when children were taken away from their homes for no other reason than that their mothers were victims of abuse.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But it's troublesome.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"It's troublesome".

The New York Times

It is troublesome and it does not help good conduct".

The Guardian

It is troublesome to note Glavin's earlier willingness to assign blame.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"It's troublesome because opera and ballet are really imported art forms," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was troublesome" when you want to express that something caused problems or difficulties, but avoid overusing it in formal writing where more precise language might be preferred.

Common error

While "it was troublesome" is acceptable, avoid relying on it too heavily in formal reports or academic papers. More specific and descriptive language can often provide greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was troublesome" functions as a descriptive statement, characterizing a situation or experience as causing difficulty or inconvenience. Ludwig provides examples showing its application in various contexts, confirming its role in expressing the problematic nature of something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was troublesome" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to depict situations that posed difficulties or inconveniences. As confirmed by Ludwig, it finds frequent application in diverse contexts like "News & Media" and "Science". Although not exceedingly common, it's a versatile way to express that something was problematic. For alternative expressions, consider phrases such as "it was difficult" or "it was problematic", and always consider the writing context for register appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was problematic

Focuses more on the nature of the issue itself rather than the feeling it evokes.

it was difficult

A more general term, indicating effort was required.

it was challenging

Implies a stimulating difficulty that tests one's abilities.

it was inconvenient

Highlights the disruption or annoyance caused.

it was bothersome

Suggests something that caused mild annoyance or irritation.

it was annoying

Implies a greater level of irritation than 'bothersome'.

it was irritating

Similar to "annoying" but can suggest a more prolonged or persistent effect.

it was awkward

Highlights a lack of grace or smoothness in a situation.

it was unwieldy

Suggests difficulty in handling or managing something.

it was a hassle

An informal way to describe something inconvenient and annoying.

FAQs

What does "it was troublesome" mean?

The phrase "it was troublesome" means that something caused difficulty, inconvenience, or problems. It suggests that a situation or task was not easy or straightforward.

What can I say instead of "it was troublesome"?

You can use alternatives like "it was difficult", "it was problematic", or "it was challenging" depending on the context.

Is "it was troublesome" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was troublesome" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more precise language may be preferable in highly formal writing.

How can I use "it was troublesome" in a sentence?

You can use "it was troublesome" to describe a situation or task that presented difficulties, for example: "The project was delayed because "it was troublesome" to coordinate with all the different teams involved."