might cause trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might cause trouble" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to suggest that something could lead to a bad or difficult situation. For example, "Leaving your work unfinished might cause trouble for your coworkers who have to pick up after you."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Some of Mr Taylor's gunmen might cause trouble, but America could surely handle them.

The Economist

"We were told by this group that the release might cause trouble inside the fair," said spokesperson Tridib Chatterjee.

The Guardian - Books

And in some cities, residents have expressed fears that a site might cause trouble in their neighborhood.

The Washington Post

Sometimes, his algorithm has a pretty good idea of where someone might cause trouble, but not necessarily what kind.

The New York Times

If a client doesn't ask for it, and isn't paying for it, and it might cause trouble, don't do it.

The New York Times

From his vantage point, he can see patterns of behaviors in one unit that might cause trouble for a different unit.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Some might yet cause trouble.

The Economist

For Americans, the hard part is knowing what might suddenly cause trouble — initial approvals notwithstanding.

The New York Times

The idea that this might eventually cause trouble for an aging society was a problem for another day.

The New York Times - Magazine

On the contrary, with his nerdy spectacles and cartoon smile, and his tendency to giggle at his own bad jokes, the mild-mannered, middle-aged Martin Matthew Cottlee) seems the kind of harmless fellow who might only cause trouble by boring you with pointless stories over the backyard shrubbery.

The New York Times

He describes his role as being little more than a corporate "bag man". Instead of working with the bank to make loans that would help improve communities, he said his marching orders were to give donations to community groups that might otherwise cause trouble for the bank.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "might cause trouble" when suggesting a possible but not certain negative outcome. It's suitable for situations where the risk is moderate and the consequences are not catastrophic.

Common error

Avoid using "might cause trouble" when a negative outcome is highly probable. In such cases, use stronger phrasing like "will likely cause problems" or "is certain to lead to difficulties".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might cause trouble" functions as a predictive expression, suggesting a potential negative consequence or problem. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment confirming its correctness and usability. Examples show it used across varied contexts to indicate possible future difficulties.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "might cause trouble" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a potential for negative outcomes. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for suggesting that a particular action or situation could lead to difficulties, problems, or unrest. It is most frequently used in news and media, followed by academic writing, with a neutral register that suits various communicative purposes. While alternatives like "could create problems" or "may lead to difficulties" exist, "might cause trouble" strikes a balance between caution and certainty, making it a versatile choice. Remember to avoid overstating the certainty of the outcome when using this phrase; otherwise, stronger wording may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could create problems

Focuses on the creation of problems rather than just potential trouble.

may lead to difficulties

Emphasizes the potential for difficulties as a consequence.

could spark unrest

Specifically refers to the potential for civil disturbance.

may generate conflict

Highlights the possibility of conflict arising.

could pose a threat

Indicates a potential danger or risk.

may bring about complications

Focuses on the introduction of complex or confusing elements.

could stir up discord

Suggests the potential for disagreement and disharmony.

may ignite controversy

Implies the potential for public debate and disagreement.

could present challenges

Highlights potential difficulties that need to be overcome.

may engender obstacles

Emphasizes the creation of barriers or impediments.

FAQs

How can I use "might cause trouble" in a sentence?

You can use "might cause trouble" to suggest a possible negative outcome. For example, "Ignoring the warning signs "might cause trouble" later on."

What are some alternatives to "might cause trouble"?

Alternatives include "could create problems", "may lead to difficulties", or "could pose a threat" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "may cause trouble" instead of "might cause trouble"?

Yes, both "may cause trouble" and "might cause trouble" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning, indicating a possibility of something leading to difficulties.

What's the difference between "might cause trouble" and "will cause trouble"?

"Might cause trouble" suggests a possibility, while "will cause trouble" implies a higher degree of certainty. Use "might" when the outcome is uncertain and "will" when it's more predictable.