minor troubles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minor troubles" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to small or insignificant problems or difficulties. Example: Despite a few minor troubles, the project was completed on time and within budget.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Local Turks, most of whom are Muslims, have had minor troubles before, especially in the wake of 9/11.

The New York Times

The city also grappled with many immobilized ambulances, fire trucks and tens of thousands of 911 calls since the storm began, many of them for minor troubles, city officials said.

The New York Times

Yet apart from these and a few other minor troubles, Sister Lucila and her three colleagues, Sisters Beatriz and Juana Pinto, and their Mother Superior, Isabel Texcucano, are having a grand adventure in a once-notorious neighborhood.

The New York Times

These latter were seen, even "photographed", and believed in not only by the majority of countryfolk, who blamed them for missing pins, agues and other minor troubles, but by such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who seemed himself to lack the powers of logical deduction he attributed to his chief literary creation.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the context of nuclear war, these were minor troubles, but there was also the fact, very much alive in Russian memory, that seven and a half years earlier, in May , 1987 a slightly kooky eighteen-year-old German named Mathias Rust had flown a rented Cessna, an airplane about the size of a Piper Cub, from Helsinki to Moscow and landed it a hundred yards from Red Square.

The New Yorker

In a review of TAE used in hemodynamically stable trauma pediatric cases, the complication rates ranged from 0 to 4% and were mostly minor troubles such as puncture site hematoma [16].

Surgical Case Reports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Others could lead to minor trouble.

The New York Times

The university's deputy chief of police, Doug Little, cited minor trouble with graffiti, noise and parking.

The New York Times

Balthazar spent the days causing minor trouble with his cousins, egging them on to throw his uncle's golf balls into the woods.

The New York Times - Magazine

Throughout his life, he seems to have kept one step ahead of real catastrophe, thus liberating himself to make waves of minor trouble.

The New Yorker

After several marriages, six children and some minor trouble with the law, he said, he is now a born-again Christian who sees his new company as a way to make an honest living, and solve a dire need.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "minor troubles", consider specifying the nature of the troubles to provide more context and clarity for the reader. For instance, "minor technical troubles" or "minor financial troubles".

Common error

Avoid using "minor troubles" when the issues are actually significant. Exaggerating the impact of small problems can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minor troubles" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes difficulties or problems that are not serious or significant. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "minor troubles" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to describe small or insignificant problems. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, especially in news and media. When employing this phrase, consider specifying the nature of the troubles for added clarity. While it serves the purpose of minimizing the impact of certain issues, it is essential to avoid overstating the situation or using it when the problems are truly significant. Alternative phrases such as "small problems" or "petty issues" can be used depending on the nuances you wish to convey. The phrase has a neutral register, making it adaptable for diverse audiences, although more formal or technical writing might benefit from more precise language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small problems

Focuses on the size and impact of the problems.

petty issues

Highlights the insignificance and triviality of the issues.

slight difficulties

Emphasizes the easiness to overcome the difficulties.

trivial concerns

Implies that the problems are not worth worrying about.

insignificant matters

Stresses the lack of importance of the matters.

minor setbacks

Highlights the delays or obstructions caused by the problems.

small inconveniences

Focuses on the disruption and bother caused by the issues.

light challenges

Underlines the moderate difficulty of the issues.

manageable difficulties

Stresses the feasibility to cope with the difficulties.

minor inconveniences

Emphasizes the irritating or bothersome nature of the difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "minor troubles" in a sentence?

You can use "minor troubles" to describe small or insignificant problems. For example, "Despite a few "minor troubles", the event was a success."

What are some alternatives to "minor troubles"?

Alternatives include "small problems", "petty issues", or "slight difficulties". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "minor troubles" in formal writing?

Yes, "minor troubles" is generally appropriate for formal writing, but consider using more precise language if possible to provide clarity and detail.

What's the difference between "minor troubles" and "major problems"?

"Minor troubles" refers to small, easily resolved issues, while "major problems" indicates significant difficulties that require substantial effort to overcome.