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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
the source of the trouble
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "the source of the trouble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when identifying the origin or cause of a problem or issue. Example: "After investigating the situation, we finally found the source of the trouble that was affecting the entire project."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(12)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
21 human-written examples
As in Guinea, the source of the trouble was disgruntled soldiers, the Niger government official said.
News & Media
Some even leave a computer vulnerable after the source of the trouble has been removed.
News & Media
But that system has some vulnerabilities, especially if a pilot is the source of the trouble.
News & Media
When the economy is ravaged and the source of the trouble is banks themselves, the pitchforks come out.
News & Media
The source of the trouble goes back nearly a century to the "big blowup" of 1910, the time the woods roared.
News & Media
Paulson's and Bernanke's efforts to prop up the financial system have so far had little effect on the housing slump, which is the source of the trouble.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
37 human-written examples
Silence also comes from a lack of consensus about the source of the troubles.
News & Media
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.
News & Media
This could be the source of the troubles, given that Snapchat is built on Google's cloud. .
News & Media
Air Force officials have tried for years to find the source of the problem, which has troubled the F-22, the most advanced fighter jet, since it went into service in December 2005.
News & Media
All of its products have been recalled, including the steroid, methylprednisolone acetate, that is the source of the current trouble.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "the source of the trouble", ensure that the context clearly defines what the 'trouble' is. Being specific helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens your argument or explanation.
Common error
Avoid attributing the problem solely to "the source of the trouble" without acknowledging other contributing factors. A comprehensive analysis usually requires considering multiple influences.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "the source of the trouble" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies what is responsible for a problem or difficulty. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.
Frequent in
News & Media
52%
Science
24%
Wiki
11%
Less common in
Formal & Business
7%
Encyclopedias
3%
Reference
3%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "the source of the trouble" is a versatile and grammatically sound noun phrase commonly used to pinpoint the origin of a problem. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread application across various domains. As shown in the examples, it appears frequently in news articles, scientific discussions, and general explanations. While direct and informative, remember that identifying the 'source' doesn't always provide a complete picture; consider other contributing factors for a thorough analysis. To express this concept in alternative ways, consider using phrases like "the root cause of the problem" or "the origin of the problem".
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
the origin of the problem
Focuses on the starting point or beginning of the issue.
the root cause of the problem
Emphasizes the fundamental reason behind the trouble, going deeper than just the surface.
the underlying reason for the issue
Highlights that the real cause may be hidden or not immediately apparent.
the reason for the difficulty
Uses more general terms like "reason" and "difficulty" instead of "source" and "trouble".
the heart of the matter
Implies that the most important aspect or central point is the cause of the trouble.
the seat of the conflict
Suggests the starting point of a conflict or disagreement.
the genesis of the disturbance
Uses more formal language to indicate the origin of a disruption or problem.
the instigator of the problem
Highlights the person or thing that initiated the trouble.
the wellspring of the difficulty
Uses a metaphorical expression to point to the origin or source of the problem.
the fountainhead of the issue
Implies a primary source or origin from which the problem flows.
FAQs
How can I use "the source of the trouble" in a sentence?
You can use "the source of the trouble" to identify the origin of a problem. For instance, "After a thorough investigation, we identified the faulty wiring as "the source of the trouble"."
What are some alternatives to saying "the source of the trouble"?
Alternatives include phrases like "the root cause", "the origin of the problem", or "the underlying reason". Each carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits the context.
Is it correct to say "the source of trouble" without "the"?
While grammatically understandable, omitting the second "the" makes the phrase less formal and slightly less common. It's generally better to include both "the" articles.
What's the difference between "the cause of the problem" and "the source of the trouble"?
While similar, "the cause of the problem" generally refers to a direct action or event that led to the issue. "The source of the trouble" can refer to a more fundamental or ongoing condition.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested