spell trouble for

USAGE SUMMARY

"spell trouble for" is a correct and useful phrase in written English.
You typically use this phrase to describe a situation that might lead to difficult or distressing consequences. For example, "The close proximity of this factory to the residential neighborhood could spell trouble for local air quality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Will this spell trouble for Narendra Modi?

The New York Times

This might spell trouble for struggling nations.

The New York Times

Its arrival could spell trouble for casino rivals, too.

The New York Times

This could spell trouble for small company's such as Ottavi.

The New York Times

Do iPhone X sales spell trouble for Apple?

The Washington Post

But it could spell trouble for the placid world of English cricket.

The Economist

That could spell trouble for Republicans in swing states like Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada.

The New York Times

The signing of Brunell could spell trouble for Kellen Clemens, the team's perennial backup.

The New York Times

But over time, he argued, they will spell trouble for the economy.

The New York Times

The lag could spell trouble for Gulf economies should the flow of oil money slow.

The Economist

This trend could spell trouble for the meat industry, which has already launched a counter-offensive.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spell trouble for" to concisely convey that a particular situation or event is likely to cause problems or difficulties for someone or something. It's effective for highlighting potential negative consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "spell trouble for" when the situation only presents a minor inconvenience. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios with potentially significant negative outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spell trouble for" functions as a predicative expression, indicating that a particular situation or event is likely to cause problems or difficulties for someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and utility in describing potential negative outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "spell trouble for" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that a situation is likely to cause problems or difficulties. Ludwig AI's analysis, along with the numerous real-world examples, demonstrate its widespread usage across various reputable sources like the New York Times, The Economist, and Forbes. It serves to highlight potential negative consequences, and its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts. Remember to reserve this phrase for scenarios with significant negative potential and avoid overstating minor inconveniences. Alternatives like "portend difficulties for" or "signal challenges for" can be used for similar meanings. This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the phrase's proper usage and significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

portend difficulties for

Emphasizes the predictive aspect of the situation leading to future problems.

signal challenges for

Highlights the indication or warning of upcoming difficulties.

create problems for

Focuses on the action of generating issues or difficulties.

present a threat to

Emphasizes the potential danger or harm posed by the situation.

cause concern for

Highlights the worry or anxiety that the situation provokes.

pose a risk to

Focuses on the possibility of negative outcomes or dangers.

be detrimental to

Highlights the harmful or damaging nature of the situation.

jeopardize the future of

Emphasizes the endangered state of something's prospects.

augur badly for

Uses a more formal tone, indicating a negative prediction or omen.

indicate a downturn for

Specifically suggests a decline or worsening condition.

FAQs

How can I use "spell trouble for" in a sentence?

Use "spell trouble for" to indicate that a situation is likely to cause problems or difficulties. For example, "The company's declining sales could "spell trouble for" its investors".

What are some alternatives to "spell trouble for"?

You can use alternatives such as "portend difficulties for", "signal challenges for", or "create problems for" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "spell trouble for" in formal writing?

Yes, "spell trouble for" is suitable for various contexts, including news articles and business reports. While it's not overly formal, it's generally acceptable in professional settings.

What's the difference between "spell trouble for" and "spell disaster for"?

"Spell trouble for" indicates potential problems or difficulties, while "spell disaster for" suggests a much more severe and catastrophic outcome. The choice depends on the degree of negative consequences.