make for troubling reading

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make for troubling reading" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a text or document that is difficult or distressing to read due to its content or implications. Example: "The report on climate change makes for troubling reading, highlighting the urgent need for action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The figures make for troubling reading for others in the sector, such as GlaxoSmithKline, and AstraZeneca.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

See articleThe chief executive of Barnes & Noble resigned, two weeks after its latest quarterly earnings report made for troubling reading.

The Economist

Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, said the NAO findings made for troubling reading.

The Guardian

The books make for fascinating, disturbing reading.

The New York Times - Books

The results make for some disturbing reading.

Critical Care

The opinion polls already make troubling reading.

The Economist

They make for chirpy reading.

The Economist

Such developments make for grim reading.

The New York Times

The statistics make for unpalatable reading.

Independent

The numbers make for stark reading.

Independent

This can make for fascinating reading.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make for troubling reading" when you want to express that certain information, statistics, or reports are concerning or worrisome upon review. It's effective for conveying a sense of unease or apprehension without being overly dramatic.

Common error

While appropriate for news and formal writing, avoid using "make for troubling reading" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives may be more suitable, depending on your context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make for troubling reading" functions as a subject complement. Ludwig AI indicates that it's used to describe something that is concerning or disturbing when read. This phrase often follows a noun or pronoun, providing additional information about it.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make for troubling reading" is a grammatically correct and understandable expression used to describe written content that causes concern. Ludwig AI analysis shows its common usage within news, media and to a lesser extent scientific contexts and its more formal or professional register makes it best suited for analytical or journalistic writing, not casual conversation. When considering similar phrases, "is worrying to read" is a less idiomatic and generally versatile substitute.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be worrying to read

This alternative directly substitutes "troubling" with "worrying", maintaining a similar level of concern.

be a cause for concern when read

This alternative replaces the idiom "make for" with a more direct expression, emphasizing the causing of concern during reading.

give cause for concern when read

This rephrases the sentence structure to focus on giving a reason for concern upon reading.

be alarming to read

This phrase replaces "troubling" with "alarming", which conveys a stronger sense of worry or fear.

be a reason for unease when read

This alternative focuses on the feeling of unease that the reading material evokes.

present a disturbing picture when read

This alternative emphasizes the disturbing nature of the information conveyed through reading.

be disquieting to read

Using "disquieting" instead of "troubling" offers a more formal and subtle expression of unease.

be an uneasy reading experience

This shifts the focus to the experience of reading itself, describing it as uneasy.

be a source of anxiety when read

This phrase indicates that the reading material generates feelings of anxiety.

be hardly reassuring to read

This alternative uses a double negative to convey that the reading material is far from comforting.

FAQs

How can I use "make for troubling reading" in a sentence?

You can use "make for troubling reading" to describe reports, statistics, or any information that causes concern. For example: "The latest economic forecast "makes for troubling reading", signaling a potential recession."

What's a simpler way to say "make for troubling reading"?

Alternatives include "is worrying to read", "is concerning", or "gives cause for concern". These options are less idiomatic and may be more suitable for some audiences.

Is "troubling to read" the same as "make for troubling reading"?

"Troubling to read" directly describes the experience as worrying, while "make for troubling reading" indicates that something produces a concerning impression when read. The difference is subtle, but the latter implies a cause-and-effect relationship.

Which is more formal, "make for troubling reading" or "is worrying to read"?

"Make for troubling reading" is slightly more formal and often found in journalistic or analytical writing. "Is worrying to read" is more direct and suitable for a broader range of contexts.