suggests trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suggests trouble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something implies or indicates a potential problem or difficulty. Example: "The sudden drop in sales suggests trouble for the company's future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Anecdotal evidence, however, suggests trouble in the pipeline.

The Guardian - Sport

That it did not suggests trouble for the future.

The Economist

More and more, it is being found when the blood test suggests trouble, prompting biopsies.

The New York Times - Health

Tonally, the movie is a thriller, with lush yet lurid cinematography and coded music that suggests trouble and mystery.

The New Yorker

But the PAN's insistence on the union-busting clauses, and his own party's rejection of them, suggests trouble ahead.

The Economist

The rule suggests trouble: the index has fallen at an annual rate of more than 2% in the past six months.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

One early vote in the evening suggested trouble.

The New Yorker

It's election night, and early returns suggest trouble for the incumbent.

The New York Times

The move may suggest trouble in finding a buyer for the appliances business.

The New York Times

First Variety got a bite of Mr. Grey, suggesting trouble in his attempt to blend in his new acquisition, the live action division of DreamWorks.

The New York Times

Now, projections that run further into the future do suggest trouble, as an aging population and rising health care costs continue to push federal spending higher.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "suggests trouble" when you want to subtly indicate a potential problem without making a definitive statement. It's ideal for situations where evidence is not conclusive but gives cause for concern.

Common error

Avoid using "suggests trouble" when the problem is already confirmed or obvious. Instead, opt for stronger phrases like "confirms a crisis" or "demonstrates the severity".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suggests trouble" functions as a qualifier, often used to introduce a cautious or tentative assessment of a situation. It implies a potential problem, as seen in examples identified by Ludwig. It expresses a degree of uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "suggests trouble" is a useful linguistic tool for indicating potential problems with a degree of uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not extremely common, it appears frequently in news and media and in science, signalling potential issues across a range of topics. When writing, it's best to use "suggests trouble" when there is a reason for concern but a lack of definitive proof. Alternatives such as "indicates a problem" or "raises concerns" can provide more direct or nuanced expressions, depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Indicates a problem

Replaces "suggests" with the more direct "indicates", making the statement less nuanced.

Implies difficulty

Substitutes "trouble" with "difficulty", softening the negative connotation.

Hints at complications

Uses "hints at" to express a less direct indication and replaces "trouble" with "complications".

Raises concerns

Shifts the focus to the emotional impact, suggesting something is worrying.

Signals potential issues

Replaces "suggests" with "signals" and "trouble" with the broader "potential issues".

Foretells problems

Emphasizes prediction of future problems.

Portends difficulties

Uses a more formal verb, "portends", for a more serious tone.

Is a bad sign

Offers a simpler, more direct interpretation.

Spells adversity

Employs a more dramatic and literary tone.

Bodes ill

Uses a concise and somewhat archaic expression to indicate a negative outlook.

FAQs

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

You can use "suggests trouble" to imply a potential problem based on available evidence. For example: "The declining sales figures "suggests trouble" for the company's future."

What are some alternatives to "suggests trouble"?

Alternatives include "indicates a problem", "implies difficulty", or "raises concerns". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "suggests trouble" or "indicates trouble"?

"Suggests trouble" implies a less certain conclusion, while "indicates trouble" implies a more direct and supported connection. Choose based on the strength of the evidence.

What's the difference between "suggests trouble" and "implies trouble"?

"Suggests trouble" means there are hints or clues pointing towards a problem. "Implies trouble", on the other hand, means the trouble is a logical consequence, though not explicitly stated. They are similar, but "implies trouble" carries a stronger sense of logical connection.