so troublesome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so troublesome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or issue that causes significant difficulty or annoyance. Example: "The constant delays in the project have become so troublesome that we may need to reconsider our timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Why are artists so troublesome?

The New Yorker

And that is also what makes instrumental music so troublesome.

The Guardian - Music

So troublesome were the picture's findings that it was not screened on French TV until 1981.

The Guardian - Film

"Your name is so troublesome and problematic," she recalled an official telling her.

The New York Times

The plant location mattered little, though; the cars proved so troublesome that G.M. stopped making them after six years.

The New York Times

Indeed, the practice is so troublesome that many annuity companies and states either tightly regulate or forbid it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

This seemingly unpredictable "casino" of "animal spirits" is so maddeningly troublesome, Keynes concluded, that "it cannot be claimed as one of the outstanding triumphs of laissez-faire capitalism".

Forbes

Yes, technology has created many wonders, but if we look at the macro level, the scorecard on economic results of technology are so far troublesome.

Huffington Post

The DSC-R items ask respondents to recall the last four weeks and consider each symptom in terms of whether they experienced it and if so, how troublesome it was.

Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy

He brought a cheval glass down to the living room, and I had him stand with his chest against the side of it, so that his troublesome left arm was behind it and his normal right arm was in front.

The New Yorker

Senator Penn and the Connecticut Civil Liberties Union, saying it was unfair to move inmates, even the most troublesome, so far away from their families, asked Gov. John G. Rowland to stop the transfers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "so troublesome", consider the audience and context. While widely accepted, alternatives might be more suitable in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "so troublesome" excessively in casual conversations. Simpler terms like "annoying" or "difficult" may sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so troublesome" functions as an intensifier modifying the adjective "troublesome". It emphasizes the degree to which something is causing difficulty or annoyance. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

16%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "so troublesome" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize the degree of difficulty or annoyance caused by something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and widely accepted. While very common in News & Media and Science, the register leans towards neutral, suggesting that more formal alternatives might be preferable in academic or scientific writing. To enhance clarity and style, consider alternatives like "very problematic" or "highly inconvenient", depending on the specific context and intended audience. Overusing it in very informal conversations could sound unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very problematic

Replaces "troublesome" with a more direct adjective emphasizing the problematic nature.

extremely bothersome

Substitutes "troublesome" with "bothersome", intensifying the level of annoyance.

really annoying

Focuses on the annoyance factor of the troublesome situation.

highly inconvenient

Focuses on the inconvenience caused, rather than the trouble itself.

very difficult

Uses a simpler, more direct adjective to convey the trouble.

terribly vexing

Emphasizes the irritating and frustrating nature of the situation.

incredibly taxing

Focuses on the demanding and burdensome aspect of the situation.

quite challenging

Replaces the negative connotation with a more neutral term, suggesting difficulty without being overly negative.

awfully complicated

Highlights the complexity and intricacy that makes something troublesome.

major headache

Uses an idiom to describe the situation as a significant source of stress and difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "so troublesome" in a sentence?

You can use "so troublesome" to describe something causing significant difficulty or annoyance. For example, "The software glitch was "so troublesome" that it halted all productivity."

What are some alternatives to "so troublesome"?

Alternatives include "very problematic", "extremely bothersome", or "highly inconvenient" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "so troublesome" formal or informal?

While grammatically correct and widely used, "so troublesome" leans toward a neutral to slightly formal tone. In very informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "really annoying".

What makes "so troublesome" different from "very troublesome"?

The addition of "so" intensifies the degree of trouble. Both are acceptable, but "so troublesome" emphasizes a higher level of difficulty or annoyance. Both phrases can be used interchangeably in several scenarios.