troubled circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "troubled circumstances" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a difficult or challenging situation that someone is facing. Example: Despite growing up in troubled circumstances, she persevered and became a successful businesswoman.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He has previously added handwritten captions describing his subjects and their often troubled circumstances.

The New York Times - Arts

All of the women were black and reportedly living in troubled circumstances.

Independent

Some of the high prices paid Wednesday confirmed that the market for the art of the past continues to be exceptionally strong in these troubled circumstances.

The New York Times - Arts

Dr. Atkinson stepped gingerly beyond a narrow goal of seeking better academic merit, saying campuses should also seek students who make great progress in troubled circumstances.

The New York Times

For once, that trope doesn't involve a sexual awakening or a family revelation; it's the tale of an intellectual blossoming, thanks to a new friendship that arises amid troubled circumstances.

The New Yorker

What about making the day after Thanksgiving Thankful Friday and dedicating it to more time for family and friends and providing a helping hand to those in troubled circumstances?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

When the case was argued before the Court of Appeals in February, several judges seemed troubled by these circumstances.

The New York Times

The Supreme Court was troubled by these circumstances, but did not view them as substantial enough to create a valid reason to change Brown's estate planning documents.

Forbes

He described the reports of destruction as "truly heart-wrenching," made more cruel given Haiti's long-troubled circumstances.

The New York Times

Large minorities report being troubled both by "the circumstances of my conception" and by the fact "that money was exchanged in order to conceive me".

The New York Times

If the state finds the city's circumstances as deeply troubled as some expect, state officials are likely to appoint an emergency financial manager under an earlier version of state law which grants such managers somewhat more limited powers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics, use "troubled circumstances" to convey empathy and understanding, avoiding language that might stigmatize or further marginalize individuals.

Common error

Avoid using "troubled circumstances" as a vague placeholder. Provide specific details about the nature of the circumstances to give your writing clarity and impact. For example, instead of "growing up in troubled circumstances", specify "growing up in poverty-stricken circumstances with limited access to education".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "troubled circumstances" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object of a preposition or as a subject complement. Ludwig AI validates the correctness and common usage of the expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "troubled circumstances" is a grammatically correct and relatively common noun phrase used to describe difficult or adverse situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general discussions. While widely accepted, it's best practice to use the phrase with specificity to provide clarity and impact. Consider alternatives such as "difficult situation", "challenging conditions", or "adverse conditions" to add nuance to your writing. It's important to remember that, to achieve the best result, it's important to show sensitivity and respect when talking about "troubled circumstances", especially in the case of sensitive content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult situation

Focuses on the difficulty of the situation, omitting the sense of ongoing problems.

challenging conditions

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the conditions, rather than the emotional distress.

adverse conditions

Highlights the negative and unfavorable aspect of the conditions.

unfavorable environment

Shifts the focus to the surrounding environment being disadvantageous.

precarious situation

Stresses the instability and uncertainty of the situation.

dire straits

Indicates a state of great need or distress, intensifying the severity.

hard times

A more general and less formal way to describe a period of difficulty.

difficult times

This alternative phrase emphasizes the challenges encountered during a specific period.

adverse situation

Highlights the negative aspects of the situation without necessarily implying a long duration.

tough situation

Offers a less formal and more colloquial way to describe a challenging scenario.

FAQs

How can I use "troubled circumstances" in a sentence?

"Troubled circumstances" is typically used to describe a situation or period marked by difficulties, hardships, or adversity. For example: "Despite facing "troubled circumstances", she managed to succeed".

What are some alternatives to "troubled circumstances"?

Alternatives include "difficult situation", "challenging conditions", or "adverse conditions", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "troubled circumstances" in formal writing?

Yes, "troubled circumstances" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing social issues, historical events, or personal narratives where empathy and sensitivity are required. Ensure the context justifies the use of such a phrase.

What is the difference between "troubled circumstances" and "unfortunate circumstances"?

"Troubled circumstances" often implies a deeper, more prolonged period of difficulty, while "unfortunate circumstances" may refer to a specific, isolated incident of bad luck or misfortune.