trouble doing

USAGE SUMMARY

"trouble doing" is an appropriate phrase to use in written English.
You can use it when describing a difficulty performing an action or task. For example, "I'm having trouble doing my math homework."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The Nets had trouble doing that.

The New York Times - Sports

Too many doctors have trouble doing that.

The New York Times

We have trouble doing that".

The New York Times - Sports

I have no trouble doing the oratory.

The Guardian - Film

That's something Mr. Romney has had trouble doing so far.

The New York Times

And I have no trouble doing the same thing".

The New York Times

Consequently I had no trouble doing as instructed at school.

The Guardian

If they have trouble doing that, they should look for work elsewhere".

The New York Times

She does not seem to have much trouble doing it in the West End, at least.

The New York Times

This they had no trouble doing, and their report is a matter of public record.

The Economist

It isn't my quarrel, but I get into trouble doing the right thing for somebody else.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trouble doing", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific action causing the difficulty. For instance, instead of saying "I have trouble doing", specify what you have trouble doing, such as "I have trouble doing complex calculations".

Common error

Avoid using "trouble doing" without specifying the exact task or activity. For example, instead of saying "They have trouble doing", clarify with "They have trouble doing household chores" to provide better context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trouble doing" functions as a descriptor of difficulty or challenge in performing an action. It is widely used to express that someone is experiencing problems or obstacles in executing a particular task. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is an appropriate expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trouble doing" is a common and versatile phrase used to express difficulty in performing a specific action. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a grammatically sound and accepted expression. It appears frequently in news, media, and wiki sources. When using "trouble doing", it is essential to provide context about the action causing the difficulty, avoiding vague descriptions. Alternative phrases include "difficulty in doing" or "problem with doing", which can be used depending on the desired level of formality. Overall, understanding the nuances and appropriate usage of "trouble doing" can improve clarity and effectiveness in written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficulty in doing

Replaces "trouble" with "difficulty" and uses the preposition "in" before "doing".

problem with doing

Substitutes "trouble" with "problem" and uses the preposition "with" before "doing".

having a hard time doing

Emphasizes the difficulty by using the phrase "hard time" instead of "trouble".

struggling to do

Uses the verb "struggling" to convey the difficulty, changing the structure slightly.

finding it difficult to do

Expresses the difficulty in a more descriptive and elaborate way.

challenged in doing

Replaces "trouble" with "challenged", implying a difficulty that requires effort to overcome.

inconvenienced by doing

Highlights the inconvenience caused by the action.

stumbling while doing

Suggests a lack of fluency or ease in performing the action.

laboring to do

Implies a heavy or strenuous effort is required to complete the task.

facing obstacles in doing

Focuses on the barriers or impediments encountered while performing the action.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "trouble doing" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "difficulty in doing", "problem with doing", or "finding it difficult to do", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "trouble doing" and "difficulty doing"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "difficulty doing" is often perceived as slightly more formal. "Trouble doing" is more common in everyday conversation.

How to use "trouble doing" in a sentence?

You can use "trouble doing" to describe difficulty performing an action. For example, "I'm having trouble doing this exercise" or "She has trouble doing public speaking".

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using "trouble doing"?

Ensure you specify what you are having trouble with. Instead of saying "I have trouble doing", be specific: "I have trouble doing algebra problems".