plenty of trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plenty of trouble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a significant amount of difficulty or problems involved. Example: "If you don't follow the rules, you'll find yourself in plenty of trouble with the authorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Indeed, insiders can cause plenty of trouble.

The Guardian - Tech

"There's plenty of trouble for them".

The New York Times

He knows that plenty of trouble still lies ahead.

The Economist

He encountered plenty of trouble tonight, but escaped every time.

The New York Times - Sports

Plenty of trouble lingers, though, for Refco's unregulated units that filed for bankruptcy.

The Economist

In the coming years, Smith would make plenty of trouble of his own.

The New York Times - Sports

As a combative, articulate critic, Mr McCartney has caused Mr Trimble plenty of trouble.

The Economist

But the magic of the marketplace can get you into plenty of trouble, too.

The New York Times

"But we still have plenty of trouble with the new-generation drugs".

The New York Times

He was learning very little, but getting into plenty of trouble.

The New York Times

We had plenty of trouble dealing with the press and all that hoo-hah".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plenty of trouble" to emphasize the abundance or significant degree of difficulty in a situation. It adds a touch of understatement, making the trouble seem almost expected or commonplace.

Common error

Avoid using "plenty of trouble" when referring to minor inconveniences. The phrase is best suited for situations involving substantial difficulties or problems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plenty of trouble" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition. It signifies a substantial amount of difficulty, problems, or adversity. As Ludwig suggests, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

20%

General

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "plenty of trouble" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe situations characterized by significant difficulties or problems. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure that the magnitude of the trouble aligns with the description, and consider related phrases like "a great deal of difficulty" to vary your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a great deal of difficulty

Emphasizes the extent of the difficulty involved.

a mountain of problems

Uses a metaphor to highlight the large quantity of problems.

a host of issues

Implies numerous problems that need to be addressed.

a sea of difficulties

Uses a metaphor to emphasize a large amount of difficulties.

major complications

Highlights the complexity and negative consequences of the issues.

a can of worms

Indicates a situation that is complex and likely to cause further problems.

significant adversity

Highlights the negative and challenging aspects of the situation.

a barrel of laughs gone wrong

Suggests a situation where something intended to be fun has become problematic.

a challenging situation

Focuses on the difficulty and demands of the circumstances.

considerable hardship

Emphasizes the suffering and difficulties experienced.

FAQs

How can I use "plenty of trouble" in a sentence?

You can use "plenty of trouble" to describe a situation filled with difficulties, such as, "If you don't follow the instructions, you'll be in "plenty of trouble".

What are some alternatives to "plenty of trouble"?

Alternatives include "a lot of trouble", "a great deal of difficulty", or "significant problems", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a plenty of trouble"?

No, the correct phrase is "plenty of trouble". The article 'a' is not used before 'plenty' in this context.

What is the difference between "plenty of trouble" and "some trouble"?

"Plenty of trouble" indicates a large amount of difficulty, while "some trouble" suggests a smaller, less significant amount. Use "plenty" when the situation is notably problematic.