things are turbulent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things are turbulent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that is chaotic, unstable, or marked by conflict or disorder. Example: "In the current political climate, things are turbulent, making it difficult to predict future outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"When things are turbulent or unsettling, you don't rush and make bad decisions," he said.

The New York Times

"I think more Shakespeare plays get done in times like today, when things are turbulent or unsettled, and people want to turn to wise men and women whose stories can shed light on the way we act," said Mr. Edelstein, who oversees the Public's Shakespeare offerings.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Back in the East End things are looking turbulent, dynamic and creative.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a focus on Istanbul and how it's changing, things are pretty turbulent there at the moment.

Vice

"We thought it would be difficult to make the measurements, that things would be turbulent and messy," he says.

Science Magazine

We are a pretty road tested team when there are turbulent times and we tend to do quite well when things require nimbleness and agility".

The Guardian - Business

The equity markets are turbulent.

The Economist

"Financial markets are turbulent.

The Guardian

These are turbulent times.

Forbes

These are turbulent times for insurance companies.

Forbes

Of course, these are turbulent times.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a period of political or economic instability, "things are turbulent" can effectively convey the sense of chaos and unpredictability. This phrase is suitable for both formal reports and general news articles.

Common error

While appropriate for formal or news contexts, avoid using "things are turbulent" in everyday conversations, as it can sound overly dramatic or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "things are tough" or "it's a bit chaotic right now".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things are turbulent" functions as a descriptive statement, characterizing a situation or period as unstable and chaotic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, highlighting its suitability for describing unrest or disorder.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "things are turbulent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly within news and scientific contexts, to describe situations characterized by instability and chaos. While it's appropriate for formal and professional communications, it may sound overly dramatic in casual settings. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and related phrases like "the situation is unstable" or "times are chaotic" can offer suitable alternatives. Remember to use it judiciously, considering the context and your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the situation is unstable

Uses "unstable" instead of "turbulent", highlighting the lack of equilibrium.

the climate is unsettled

Describes the "climate" to be "unsettled", meaning that there is instability.

times are chaotic

Replaces "turbulent" with "chaotic", emphasizing the disordered nature of the period.

circumstances are volatile

Substitutes "turbulent" with "volatile", stressing the unpredictable nature of the events.

the environment is chaotic

Focuses on the "environment" to be "chaotic", meaning that there is disorder.

the atmosphere is fraught

Describes the "atmosphere" to be "fraught", meaning that there is tension.

the waters are choppy

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate difficult times.

we're in rough waters

Another metaphorical expression indicating a period of difficulty.

the outlook is grim

Focuses on a negative or pessimistic future view.

things are difficult

A more general expression indicating problems or challenges.

FAQs

What does "things are turbulent" mean?

The expression "things are turbulent" means that a situation is unstable, chaotic, or characterized by significant unrest or disorder. It suggests a lack of calm and predictability.

What can I say instead of "things are turbulent"?

You can use alternatives like "the situation is unstable", "times are chaotic", or "circumstances are volatile" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "things are turbulent"?

Yes, the phrase "things are turbulent" is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and formal writing, to describe periods of instability or chaos.

How formal is the expression "things are turbulent"?

The expression "things are turbulent" is relatively formal and best suited for professional, news-related, or academic contexts. Less formal alternatives might be more appropriate for casual conversation.