serious trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'serious trouble' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a severe problem or a difficult situation. For example, "She got into serious trouble after she stole from the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then we're in serious trouble".

The New Yorker

Gore is in serious trouble.

The New Yorker

Few ran into serious trouble.

The Economist

We're in serious trouble.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's also in serious trouble.

The Washington Post

He was in serious trouble.

The Guardian

"Our country is in serious trouble.

The New Yorker

Butler is in serious trouble right now.

The New York Times

Zach has gotten into some serious trouble.

The New York Times - Books

Venezuela's economy is in serious trouble.

Independent

Denner was in serious trouble.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serious trouble", ensure the context clearly indicates the severity or potential consequences of the situation. This helps to emphasize the gravity of the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "serious trouble" when the situation is only mildly problematic. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing seem melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "serious trouble" is a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It signifies a state of difficulty, danger, or adversity. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "serious trouble" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a significant problem or difficult situation. According to Ludwig, its usage is correct and versatile across various contexts. Predominantly found in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Formal & Business" settings, it effectively conveys concern and emphasizes the gravity of the matter. While alternatives like "deep trouble" or "grave danger" exist, it's important to use "serious trouble" appropriately, avoiding overuse in situations that are only mildly problematic. Thus, understanding its nuances ensures clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep trouble

Emphasizes the severity and depth of the problematic situation.

grave danger

Highlights the potential for significant harm or negative consequences.

dire straits

Indicates a situation of extreme difficulty or distress.

a tight spot

Suggests a challenging or difficult situation that requires careful handling.

hot water

Implies being in disfavor or facing negative repercussions.

in a predicament

Describes a difficult or unpleasant situation that is hard to escape.

up the creek without a paddle

Indicates being in a helpless situation with no means of resolving it.

facing a crisis

Highlights the critical nature of the problem and the urgency of addressing it.

in jeopardy

Indicates that something is at risk of being lost or harmed.

in a bind

Suggests being in a difficult or restrictive situation.

FAQs

How can I use "serious trouble" in a sentence?

You can use "serious trouble" to describe a situation that involves significant problems or potential negative consequences. For example, "If you don't pay your taxes, you could be in "serious trouble" with the IRS."

What are some alternatives to saying "serious trouble"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "deep trouble", "grave danger", or "dire straits" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "serious trouble"?

Yes, the phrase "serious trouble" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe a problematic or difficult situation.

What's the difference between "serious trouble" and "minor inconvenience"?

"Serious trouble" implies a significant problem with potentially severe consequences, whereas "minor inconvenience" refers to a small, easily managed issue. The former is much more impactful than the latter.