not in trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not in trouble" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone is not facing any issues or difficulties, often in a context where trouble is expected. Example: "After the meeting, I was relieved to hear that I was not in trouble for missing the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Remember that you and your parents are not "in trouble".

WikiHow

He is not in trouble yet.

The New York Times - Sports

"And I know she's not in trouble".

The New York Times - Magazine

It's O.K., buddy, you're not in trouble.

The New York Times

Loria added, "He's not in trouble".

The New York Times - Sports

Hollywood's not in trouble!" he says.

The Guardian - Film

But we are not in trouble.

The Guardian - Sport

"You're not in trouble Jack, you've done nothing wrong.

The New York Times

Ms. Esposito assured her that she was not in trouble.

The New York Times - Health

This holds even if the elevator is not in trouble.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Michael's attitude suddenly changes when he realizes that he is not in trouble, and that the lawyer's job is to protect him.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reassuring someone, especially a child, that they are "not in trouble", clearly and calmly explain why to alleviate any anxiety.

Common error

Avoid using "not in trouble" sarcastically or ambiguously, as it can undermine trust and create confusion. Ensure your tone and body language match your words to convey genuine reassurance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not in trouble" functions primarily as a reassuring statement. It is used to alleviate concerns that someone might be facing negative consequences, blame, or punishment. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used and understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not in trouble" serves as a direct and reassuring statement, primarily used to alleviate concerns about potential negative consequences. As Ludwig AI's analysis and numerous examples illustrate, this expression is grammatically sound, widely understood, and versatile across various registers. Its frequent occurrence in news media and common usage suggests that it's a staple phrase when attempting to offer someone reassurance. Its effectiveness lies in its simplicity and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the clear

Emphasizes being free from suspicion or accusation, changing the perspective to one of exoneration.

not at fault

Directly addresses the absence of blame or responsibility, making the phrase more explicit.

without blame

Similar to "not at fault" but with a slightly more formal tone and structure.

out of danger

Focuses more on avoiding potential harm or risk, shifting the emphasis from blame to safety.

blameless

Highlights the lack of culpability, presenting a more concise and absolute statement.

not responsible

Explicitly denies accountability for an action or situation, making it a more direct statement.

exempt from blame

Highlights the state of being excused or freed from responsibility, offering a formal tone.

off the hook

An informal expression indicating release from an obligation or difficult situation, adding a casual tone.

free from punishment

Focuses on avoiding penalties or repercussions, emphasizing the consequences of trouble.

safe

Implies a state of security and freedom from negative consequences, broadening the scope beyond just trouble.

FAQs

How can I use "not in trouble" in a sentence?

You can use "not in trouble" to reassure someone that they have not done anything wrong or are not facing any negative consequences. For example: "You're "not in trouble", I just wanted to talk."

What can I say instead of "not in trouble"?

You can use alternatives like "in the clear", "off the hook", or "out of the woods" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "you are not in trouble" or "you're not in trouble"?

Both "you are "not in trouble"" and "you're "not in trouble"" are grammatically correct. The contracted form "you're" is more common in informal conversation.

What's the difference between "not in trouble" and "out of the woods"?

"Not in trouble" suggests the absence of blame or negative consequences, while "out of the woods" implies that a dangerous or difficult situation has passed. They are not always interchangeable.