some turbulence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "some turbulence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is unstable or chaotic, often in contexts related to travel, emotions, or events. Example: "The flight experienced some turbulence, causing the passengers to feel uneasy for a few moments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some turbulence ahead indeed.

Independent

Expect some turbulence ahead.

The New Yorker

I would expect some turbulence.

The Guardian

That took thought and created some turbulence.

The New York Times - Sports

But there has also been some turbulence.

The Washington Post

The two world wars caused some turbulence.

The New York Times

But after some turbulence, we make it.

The New York Times

It is a time of some turbulence for instrument collections.

The New York Times

Whatever happens, some turbulence will result from Saddam Hussein's demise.

The New York Times

The sparring has already created some turbulence in the economy.

The New York Times

Since then, however, the smoothness has hit some turbulence.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "some turbulence" to describe a non-literal situation, ensure the context clearly establishes the metaphorical connection, such as business challenges or emotional difficulties. This prevents misinterpretation and strengthens the intended message.

Common error

Avoid using "some turbulence" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or technical language is expected. Instead, opt for terms like "instability", "volatility", or "disruption" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some turbulence" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It refers to a state or period characterized by instability or disruption. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use in describing both literal (e.g., a flight experiencing turbulence) and metaphorical situations (e.g., economic or political instability).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "some turbulence" is a versatile phrase used to describe situations characterized by instability, disruption, or challenges. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, business, and general discussions. While its neutral register makes it widely accessible, writers should consider the formality of the setting and opt for more precise language in highly technical or academic contexts. Recognizing its metaphorical potential allows for nuanced expressions of difficulty in diverse situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit of instability

Replaces "turbulence" with "instability", focusing on the lack of stability. It is generally less intense than turbulence.

a period of disruption

Highlights the disruptive nature of the situation, emphasizing the interruption of normal processes.

a few rough patches

Uses a more colloquial expression to describe minor difficulties or challenges.

a spell of unrest

Indicates a time of disturbance or agitation, often referring to social or political contexts.

a time of upheaval

Suggests a significant and often sudden disruption or change, implying a more dramatic situation.

minor difficulties

Downplays the severity of the situation, portraying it as presenting only slight problems.

slight complications

Focuses on the presence of complicating factors that make a situation more complex.

a hiccup or two

Employs a casual term to describe small, temporary problems or interruptions.

a setback or two

Indicates a temporary impediment or reversal in progress, suggesting a delay rather than a complete failure.

some trying times

Emphasizes the challenging and difficult nature of the period, focusing on the emotional strain involved.

FAQs

How can I use "some turbulence" in a sentence?

You can use "some turbulence" to describe situations involving instability or disruption. For example, "The company experienced "some turbulence" after the new regulations were implemented" or "The flight encountered "some turbulence" over the mountains".

What phrases are similar to "some turbulence"?

Alternatives to "some turbulence" include "a bit of instability", "a period of disruption", or "a few rough patches". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "some turbulence" appropriate for formal writing?

While "some turbulence" is widely understood, it might be too informal for certain academic or professional contexts. In such cases, consider using more precise terms like "instability", "volatility", or "disruption".

Can "some turbulence" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "some turbulence" can be used metaphorically to describe challenging or unstable situations in areas such as business, relationships, or personal development. For example, "The project faced "some turbulence" due to unforeseen technical issues".