the most trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the most trouble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the highest level of difficulty or inconvenience caused by a situation or person. Example: "Out of all the projects I've worked on, this one has caused me the most trouble."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

European banks are having the most trouble.

The New York Times

What hitters gave you the most trouble?

The New York Times

Who gave you the most trouble on defense? A.

The New York Times

Mr. Scott appears to be in the most trouble.

The New York Times

Which hitter gave you the most trouble? A. Edgar Martinez.

The New York Times

Of my three children, she gave me the most trouble.

The New Yorker

Which bugs cause the most trouble for you?

The Guardian - Opinion

But Mr. Hevesi has had the most trouble.

The New York Times

Identify the sounds that cause you the most trouble.

The New York Times - Magazine

Focus on which letters you have the most trouble with.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

States already grappling with mammoth budget gaps would be in the most trouble.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the most trouble", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the difficulty. For example, "This section gave me "the most trouble" because the instructions were unclear."

Common error

Be specific about what causes "the most trouble". Avoid vague statements; instead, clearly articulate the source of the difficulty to enhance clarity and avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the most trouble" functions as a superlative descriptor, indicating the highest degree of difficulty or problems caused by something. As shown by Ludwig, this can apply to various contexts, from challenges faced by European banks to difficulties in mastering cross-examination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the most trouble" is a commonly used phrase to express the greatest difficulty or problem in a given situation. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals its prevalence across various contexts, especially in news and media, indicating its broad applicability. The phrase is grammatically correct and serves to emphasize the severity of an issue. Alternatives like "the biggest problem" or "the greatest difficulty" can be used for variety, but "the most trouble" remains a clear and effective choice. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is suitable for neutral contexts and provides a direct way to highlight significant challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the biggest problem

Focuses on the problematic aspect, replacing "trouble" with a more direct term.

the greatest difficulty

Emphasizes the level of challenge or hardship encountered.

the most challenging aspect

Highlights the demanding nature of a situation.

the main source of difficulty

Identifies the primary origin or cause of the issues.

the biggest headache

Uses an idiom to express a significant source of annoyance or problem.

the greatest concern

Shifts the focus to worry or anxiety caused by a situation.

the toughest part

Highlights the section or component that is the most difficult.

the most problematic area

Pinpoints a specific domain or section that causes issues.

the major obstacle

Draws attention to a significant barrier or impediment.

the primary struggle

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty involved in overcoming a challenge.

FAQs

How can I use "the most trouble" in a sentence?

You can use "the most trouble" to describe something that causes the greatest difficulty or problems. For example, "Of all the tasks, this one gave me "the most trouble".

What are some alternatives to "the most trouble"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the biggest problem", "the greatest difficulty", or "the most challenging aspect".

Is it better to say "the most trouble" or "the most difficult"?

Whether to use "the most trouble" or "the most difficult" depends on the context. "The most difficult" typically refers to a task or challenge's inherent complexity, while "the most trouble" suggests the greatest inconvenience or problems caused.

What does it mean when something causes "the most trouble"?

When something causes "the most trouble", it means that it is the primary source of problems, difficulties, or inconveniences compared to other factors or elements.