that spells trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that spells trouble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a situation or action is likely to lead to problems or difficulties. Example: "If we don't address the budget issues soon, that spells trouble for the entire project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

That spells trouble.

The Economist

That spells trouble for Mugabe.

The Guardian

That spells trouble for the environment.

The New York Times - Science

That spells trouble all around for the flailing Chiefs.

The New York Times - Sports

That spells trouble for the spectrum of industries that depend on clean water.

The Guardian

That spells trouble for Japan's economy, half of which is driven by personal spending.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

That spelled trouble.

The New York Times - Magazine

A recent report published by the Meridian Institute lays out the many factors throughout food systems that spell trouble for the climate, and also explains why a broad systems-wide perspective is necessary for implementing effective changes.

The Guardian

Does that spell trouble for "Brave" at the Academy Awards?

Huffington Post

Two realities will collide in the realm of the Keating scenario that spell trouble.

Huffington Post

True, that headline number hides differences that spell trouble.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that spells trouble" to succinctly convey that a situation is likely to lead to negative outcomes. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, providing a direct and easily understood warning.

Common error

While versatile, avoid overusing "that spells trouble" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced alternatives such as "that indicates potential difficulties" or "that presents a significant challenge" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that spells trouble" functions as a commentary or assessment, indicating that a preceding situation or action is likely to lead to negative consequences or problems. As shown in Ludwig, it serves to highlight the potential for adverse outcomes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that spells trouble" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that a situation is likely to lead to negative consequences. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, primarily news and media, and is generally neutral in register. While versatile, it is advisable to consider more formal alternatives for academic or highly professional writing. When using the phrase, writers should be mindful of their intended audience and the overall tone of their work to ensure the most effective communication. This phrase serves to warn or alert about potential problems.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that indicates a problem

Focuses on the indication of a problem rather than directly stating trouble.

that suggests difficulties

Emphasizes the suggestion of difficulties rather than explicitly mentioning trouble.

that implies negative consequences

Highlights the implication of negative results from the situation.

that foreshadows problems

Implies that problems are looming in the future.

that's a recipe for disaster

Uses a more figurative expression to convey the potential for a disastrous outcome.

that's a cause for concern

Focuses on the element of worry and apprehension that arises from the situation.

that bodes ill

Uses a more formal and somewhat archaic expression for foretelling bad outcomes.

that should raise alarms

Emphasizes the need for caution and signals a potentially dangerous situation.

that presents a challenge

Downplays the severity and focuses on the challenging aspect of the situation.

that's setting us up for failure

Identifies the situation as leading to a potential failure.

FAQs

How can I use "that spells trouble" in a sentence?

You can use "that spells trouble" to indicate that a specific situation or action is likely to create problems. For instance, "If the company doesn't address these financial issues soon, "that spells trouble" for its future growth."

What are some alternatives to "that spells trouble"?

Alternatives to "that spells trouble" include phrases like "that indicates a problem", "that suggests difficulties", or "that implies negative consequences". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "that spells trouble" suitable for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "that spells trouble" may be too informal for certain academic or highly formal contexts. In such cases, consider using more formal alternatives like "that presents a significant challenge" or "that indicates potential difficulties".

What's the difference between "that spells trouble" and "that means trouble"?

Both phrases convey a similar meaning, but "that spells trouble" often implies a more foreseeable or predictable negative outcome based on current circumstances. "That means trouble" can sometimes refer to more immediate or direct consequences.