source of the trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "source of the trouble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the origin or cause of a problem or difficulty. Example: "After investigating the issue, we finally identified the source of the trouble as a faulty connection in the wiring."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

As in Guinea, the source of the trouble was disgruntled soldiers, the Niger government official said.

The New York Times

Some even leave a computer vulnerable after the source of the trouble has been removed.

The Economist

But that system has some vulnerabilities, especially if a pilot is the source of the trouble.

The New York Times

When the economy is ravaged and the source of the trouble is banks themselves, the pitchforks come out.

The Economist

The source of the trouble goes back nearly a century to the "big blowup" of 1910, the time the woods roared.

The New York Times

She also serves as a go-between when tensions arise between the brothers, though she herself may also be a source of the trouble.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Silence also comes from a lack of consensus about the source of the troubles.

The Economist

Euphemia's brother, disagreeable Archie Johnston, is the third keeper and obvious source of the troubles that will begin after Schwarz details the sea, the weather, the children and lots of canned food.

The New York Times - Books

Kosovo is both a source of the troubles and a model for these Albanian militants, who dream of an independent Kosovo that can absorb the contiguous Albanian-dominated regions, never mind current borders, into a greater Albanian state.

The New York Times

In the abstract, the source of "the Troubles," the euphemistic understatement used by those at their epicenter, seemed simple to grasp: two peoples, devoted to different religions and separate ideas of nationhood, both claiming sovereignty over the same patch of earth.

The New York Times - Books

This could be the source of the troubles, given that Snapchat is built on Google's cloud. .

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "source of the trouble", ensure that the context clearly identifies what the 'trouble' is. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "source of the trouble" without clearly defining the trouble. For example, instead of saying "the government was the source of the trouble", specify: "the government's new policies were the source of the economic trouble".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "source of the trouble" functions as a noun phrase, identifying the origin or cause of a problem or difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard English phrase. Examples show it being used to pinpoint the origin of various issues, from economic downturns to technical malfunctions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "source of the trouble" is a common noun phrase used to identify the origin or cause of a problem. As Ludwig AI validates, it is grammatically correct and versatile, fitting into both formal and informal contexts. While alternatives like "root of the problem" or "underlying cause" exist, the choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance. The phrase is frequently used in news and media, as well as scientific discussions, to pinpoint the reasons behind various issues. Remember to clearly define the trouble when using this phrase to avoid vagueness and enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

root of the problem

Focuses on the fundamental cause, implying a deeper investigation is needed.

cause of the difficulty

Emphasizes the aspect of difficulty or challenge arising from the source.

origin of the issue

Highlights the starting point or genesis of the matter at hand.

reason for the problem

Directly indicates the justification or explanation behind an undesirable situation.

underlying cause

Suggests a less obvious or hidden factor that contributes to the problem.

genesis of the conflict

Specifically refers to the start of a dispute or struggle.

inciting incident

Denotes the specific event that triggered the trouble.

prime mover

Highlights the entity or factor that initially set the problem in motion.

fountainhead of the difficulty

Implies that the trouble originated in a specific and possibly abundant source.

principal reason

Stresses that is the key factor responsible for something.

FAQs

How can I use "source of the trouble" in a sentence?

You can use "source of the trouble" to identify the origin of a problem or difficulty. For example, "The investigation revealed that the faulty wiring was the source of the trouble".

What's an alternative to "source of the trouble"?

Alternatives include "root of the problem", "cause of the difficulty", or "origin of the issue". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "source of the trouble" formal or informal?

"Source of the trouble" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "underlying cause".

How do I identify the "source of the trouble" effectively?

Begin by thoroughly investigating the symptoms and gathering relevant data to trace back to the origin. Consider all contributing factors before pinpointing the primary "source of the trouble".