may be troublesome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be troublesome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has the potential to cause difficulty or problems. Example: "The new software update may be troublesome for users who are not familiar with the changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Differentiation of these lymphomas on morphology may be troublesome.

Leukemia Research

"It may be troublesome, it may not be," McConnell said.

The New Yorker

Although Litzenburger's plot may be troublesome, her prose often soars.

The New York Times - Books

Extending the mission may be troublesome, because dust collecting on the solar panels will reduce the power they can generate.

The New York Times

A bank bankruptcy may be troublesome if it triggers other failures and damages the whole payments and credit system.

The Economist

The previous cases deal with executives who may be troublesome but can also be quite charismatic the kind of people who don't leave you emotionally untouched.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

A roomier coach cabin may also be troublesome to airline employees, who have become accustomed to free air travel.

The New York Times

Some high-fiber foods may continue to be troublesome; the only solution may be to avoid them, and there are many other choices.

The New York Times

Obstacles may eventually prove to be troublesome in Brooklyn, where land acquisition and tax dollars, as well as the N.B.A. board of governors, may stand in the way of the $2.5 billion project.

The New York Times - Sports

But the growing variability of the weather may be as troublesome as the warming.

The New York Times

However, the choice of the appropriate model may be a troublesome task when the considered reactor is of a complex geometry.

Chemical Engineering Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may be troublesome", consider the audience and context. In formal settings, more precise language might be preferred. In informal settings, it is perfectly acceptable.

Common error

Avoid using "may be troublesome" repeatedly in the same piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "could be problematic" or "might present challenges" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be troublesome" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a possibility or potential concern. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase indicates that something could cause problems or difficulties, without stating it as a certainty.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be troublesome" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the potential for difficulties or problems. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples from various reputable sources spanning science, news, and formal business contexts. While common, it's advisable to use it thoughtfully, considering the specific context and audience. Alternatives like "could be problematic" or "might present challenges" can provide nuanced variations. Remember to avoid overuse for optimal clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be problematic

Indicates a potential problem, similar to "may be troublesome" but focuses more directly on the issue itself.

might present challenges

Highlights the potential for difficulties, framing them as challenges to overcome.

could create difficulties

Focuses on the action of creating problems, emphasizing the impact of something.

may pose difficulties

Suggests that something could present obstacles or hardships.

could be inconvenient

Indicates something might cause trouble or disruption to plans or routines.

might prove awkward

Suggests a potential for social discomfort or difficulty.

may engender complications

Implies that something could lead to complex or problematic situations.

might give rise to issues

Highlights the potential for problems or conflicts to emerge.

could become unwieldy

Focuses on the potential for something to become difficult to manage or control.

may not be straightforward

Indicates that something may be complex or require extra effort.

FAQs

What does "may be troublesome" mean?

The phrase "may be troublesome" means that something has the potential to cause problems, difficulties, or inconvenience. It suggests a possible negative outcome, though not a certainty.

How can I use "may be troublesome" in a sentence?

You can use "may be troublesome" to describe a situation, task, or object that could lead to difficulties. For example, "Extending the mission "may be troublesome", because dust collecting on the solar panels will reduce the power they can generate."

What are some alternatives to "may be troublesome"?

Some alternatives to "may be troublesome" include "could be problematic", "might present challenges", "may pose difficulties", or "could be inconvenient", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "may be troublesome" formal or informal?

"May be troublesome" is generally considered suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or academic writing, you might opt for a more precise or nuanced alternative like "could engender complications".