this spells trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

All this spells trouble for Democrats in swing states and districts.

The Economist

But that is a point that will be lost, and for Ed Miliband in particular this spells trouble.

The Guardian - Opinion

As Jared Bernstein recently noted, this spells trouble not in the short term but in the long term, because it undermines America's potential growth rate.

The Economist

Going forward, this spells trouble for Trump, despite the chorus of supporters trotting out their "He's a chess master!" talking points.

Los Angeles Times

This spells trouble for the GOP.

University of California, Berkeley

This spells trouble for Sir Nicholas and Ann Winterton.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

This spelled trouble.

The New Yorker

Again, this spelled trouble for Vodafone.

The Economist

This spelled trouble for Japan as its military-industrial complex was unable to match the output of American industry and manpower.

Wikipedia

If democracy requires an informed citizenry, this trend spells trouble.

Harvard University

This immaturity spells trouble when it comes to saving money and making plans down the road".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this spells trouble" to succinctly convey that a particular situation or course of action is likely to result in negative consequences. It is most effective when the context clearly indicates what 'this' refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "this spells trouble" without clearly defining what "this" refers to. Ambiguity can weaken the statement and confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this spells trouble" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that a particular situation or set of circumstances is likely to lead to negative consequences or difficulties. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this spells trouble" is a common and grammatically correct idiom used to indicate that a situation is likely to lead to negative outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It functions as a warning, highlighting potential problems across news, academic, and general media. While its register is neutral, the phrase is a succinct way to convey impending difficulties and encourage preventative action. Alternatives include "this indicates problems" or "this suggests difficulty", but the original phrase remains a direct and effective expression for foreshadowing adversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this indicates problems

Emphasizes the presence of issues rather than explicitly stating future trouble.

this suggests difficulty

Focuses on potential hardship or obstacles.

this signals a crisis

Indicates a more immediate and severe problem.

this portends adversity

A more formal and literary way of indicating future misfortune.

this foreshadows complications

Highlights the potential for complex issues to arise.

this is a recipe for disaster

Indicates that the current situation is likely to result in failure.

this will lead to problems

Directly states that issues will arise as a consequence.

this bodes ill

A more traditional phrase indicating a bad omen or negative outcome.

this anticipates setbacks

Highlights the expectation of delays or failures.

this heralds misfortune

Suggests that something unlucky is on its way.

FAQs

What does "this spells trouble" mean?

The phrase "this spells trouble" means that a current situation or action is likely to cause problems or difficulties in the future.

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

You can use "this spells trouble" to indicate that a particular event or condition is a warning sign of impending problems. For example: "Declining sales figures? "This spells trouble" for the company's future."

What are some alternatives to "this spells trouble"?

Alternatives include phrases like "this indicates problems", "this suggests difficulty", or "this is a recipe for disaster".

Is "this spells trouble" formal or informal?

The phrase "this spells trouble" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal settings might benefit from alternatives with elevated diction.