trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'trouble' is correct and is usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a difficulty, problem, or complex situation. Example sentence: Everyone in the office was having trouble keeping up with the high demand of work.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Close observers of his military say Syria is having trouble keeping its sophisticated and maintenance-intensive weapons functioning.

The New York Times

The trouble is, I don't know which half".

The New York Times

Mandate is in trouble.

The New York Times

But he found trouble in running at Sandown and this tricky track may not be easy for a horse of his inexperience, breaking from a wide stall in a big field.

The Guardian - Sport

And some governments �� notably the US and Japan – have trouble participating in multi-year commitments that represent a fiscal contingency.

The Guardian

The first leg in Rome was marred by trouble when Feyenoord fans went on the rampage, causing damage to a 500-year-old fountain which experts said cannot be repaired.

The Guardian - Sport

These eddies of trouble, the revival of secondary disputes and the mixture of economic policy with diplomatic grievances and popular rhetoric all echo the atmosphere of the early 1930s.

The Guardian - Opinion

Within 48 hours of the trouble, this so-called commander had attained a number of goals.

The Guardian

He was the thorn in everyone's side, the gleeful imp who was just there to cause trouble.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It had torn around round the island for about 36 hours, and given it a real thrashing, flattening vegetation, whipping off a few roofs and generally causing trouble.

The Guardian - Travel

There are reports that a policewoman has been injured in the trouble.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trouble" as a verb, ensure correct conjugation based on the subject and tense. For example, use "troubles" for a singular subject in the present tense and "troubled" for the past tense.

Common error

Avoid confusing "trouble" with "double". "Trouble" refers to a problem or difficulty, while "double" refers to twice the amount or size. Ensure your spelling is accurate to convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The word "trouble" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a problem, difficulty, or distressful situation. As a verb, it means to bother or cause anxiety. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its versatile usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

25%

Opinion

15%

Less common in

Lifestyle

10%

Business

8%

Science

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trouble" is a versatile word functioning as both a noun and a verb, denoting difficulties, problems, or sources of anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It appears most frequently in news, sports, and opinion contexts, maintaining a neutral register across diverse situations. For alternative expressions, consider using "difficulty", "problems", or "difficult situation" depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. Remember to conjugate "trouble" correctly when using it as a verb and avoid confusing it with similarly spelled words like "double".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficulty

Replaces "trouble" with a direct synonym, indicating a state of finding something hard to do or deal with.

problems

Uses the plural form to refer to multiple instances of difficulty or issues.

difficult situation

Emphasizes the state of being in a problematic or challenging circumstance.

a problematic issue

Highlights that the problem is a subject of debate or difficulty.

state of distress

Focuses on the emotional impact of the difficulties experienced.

unpleasant experience

Refers to "trouble" as an event that causes displeasure or hardship.

adverse circumstances

Indicates that the situation is unfavorable and potentially harmful.

setback

Describes "trouble" as a hindrance that delays progress.

mishap

Refers to a minor accident or piece of bad luck that causes "trouble".

complication

Indicates an element that makes a situation more complex or difficult.

FAQs

How can I use "trouble" in a sentence?

You can use "trouble" as a noun, like "He's in "difficult situation" with the law", or as a verb, like "This question is troubling me".

What can I say instead of "trouble"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "difficulty", "problem", or "hassle".

Is it correct to say "I'm having a trouble" or "I'm having trouble"?

"I'm having "problems"" is generally more common and grammatically sound. "I'm having a trouble" is less frequent and can sound awkward.

What is the difference between "trouble" and "worry"?

"Trouble" often refers to a specific problem or difficulty, whereas "worry" refers to a state of anxiety or concern. For example, you might be "in trouble" due to a mistake, which could cause you to "worry".