troubled at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "troubled at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express feelings of concern or distress regarding a specific situation or event. Example: "She was troubled at the news of the accident and couldn't stop thinking about the victims."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They are not troubled at all".

The New York Times

She doesn't seem troubled at all.

The New Yorker

In 1264 he became troubled at the appearance of a comet.

The New Yorker

The Yankees opened this three-game series with Phil Hughes, who looked troubled at the outset.

The New York Times

The interactions inspired him, but he remained troubled at the paradox.

The New York Times - Magazine

Adam is a particularly rich character, smart but troubled at the disappointments of oncoming middle age.

The New York Times

"We weren't troubled at the back and they had Hughes and Mark Stein up front.

The Guardian - Sport

The Oxfordshire set may be troubled at times, but they never go hungry.

The Guardian

She does not have the same vocal bloom as before and was troubled at times by constricted top notes.

The New York Times - Arts

The last Capetians, although troubled at home, retained their international standing among neighbouring states, which were no less troubled.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

To see the handsome Day and to hear his elegant Australian accent, you'd never know he was a troubled, at-risk youth, a self-described "punk".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "troubled at", ensure the object of your concern is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "He was troubled at the lack of progress" is more precise than "He was troubled".

Common error

Avoid using "troubled at" for minor inconveniences. It suggests a deeper level of concern or worry. Use milder terms like "annoyed" or "bothered" for less significant issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "troubled at" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to express a state of concern or unease. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "troubled at" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express concern or worry. According to Ludwig, it functions as an adjective phrase with a preposition, commonly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki sources. While its register leans towards neutral to formal, understanding its specific communicative purpose is key. Use it to indicate disturbance or anxiety regarding a specific matter, ensuring clarity in your writing and avoid overstating minor inconveniences. Consider alternatives like "concerned about" or "worried about" for subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concerned about

Focuses on worry and unease regarding a specific thing.

worried about

Emphasizes a state of anxiety related to something.

anxious about

Highlights a sense of nervousness and apprehension concerning something.

disturbed by

Suggests a feeling of being unsettled or bothered by something.

concerned with

Implies an engagement and worry over something.

bothered by

Indicates a state of being annoyed or inconvenienced by something.

uneasy about

Conveys a feeling of discomfort or lack of peace regarding something.

apprehensive about

Suggests a feeling of dread or anticipation of something unpleasant.

perturbed by

Expresses a feeling of agitation or disturbance.

disquieted by

Implies a loss of tranquility or peace of mind due to something.

FAQs

How to use "troubled at" in a sentence?

Use "troubled at" to express concern or worry about something specific. For example, "She was troubled at the news of the layoffs".

What can I say instead of "troubled at"?

You can use alternatives like "concerned about", "worried about", or "disturbed by" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "troubled at" or "troubled by"?

Both "troubled at" and "troubled by" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts. The choice often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What's the difference between "troubled at" and "concerned about"?

"Troubled at" emphasizes a feeling of being disturbed or worried by something, while "concerned about" generally indicates a sense of care or responsibility in addition to worry. The nuance depends on the specific context.