troubled regions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "troubled regions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to areas experiencing conflict, instability, or significant social or economic issues. Example: "The humanitarian organization is focusing its efforts on providing aid to troubled regions affected by war and famine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sometimes it pays to search troubled regions for investment ideas.

Forbes

The Pope then mentioned troubled regions of the world in turn.

BBC

Just think of what hundreds more Produits du Sud could do to offer a bulwark against climate change while building lasting peace and prosperity in the world's most impoverished and troubled regions.

Huffington Post

If significant gains made for children over the last 15 years are not to be lost, if growing nations are to thrive, if troubled regions are to become more stable, the world must make children its top priority.

Unicef

Malcolm visited troubled regions, from Afghanistan to Somalia.

The Guardian

The service passes messages to and from refugees from the most troubled regions of the world.

The Guardian

So the social and political consequences of travelling in troubled regions remain a grey area.

The Guardian - Travel

When we disengage, I assure you that it only encourages the worst elements" in troubled regions.

The New York Times

The Horn of Africa has for too long been one of the world's most troubled regions.

The Guardian - Opinion

The United States is uniquely suited to encourage peacemaking in troubled regions like the Middle East.

The New York Times

Nor is it limited to Christians in the troubled regions of the Middle East".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about international affairs, use “troubled regions” to refer to areas facing complex challenges like political instability, economic hardship, and social unrest. This phrase avoids oversimplification and acknowledges the multifaceted nature of the issues.

Common error

Avoid using “troubled regions” as a catch-all term without providing specific context or examples. Always clarify the nature of the troubles, whether they are political, economic, social, or environmental. For example, instead of just saying “the troubled regions,” specify “the troubled regions of the Middle East facing political instability.”

Linguistic Context

The phrase "troubled regions" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "troubled" modifies the noun "regions". It describes specific areas or geographical locations experiencing significant difficulties or problems. Ludwig shows that this term is acceptable and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "troubled regions" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term to describe areas experiencing significant difficulties such as conflict, instability, or economic hardship. As Ludwig AI explains, the term is acceptable and appears frequently in news and media, as well as formal and business contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to provide specific context about the nature of the troubles, and to consider alternative phrases like "conflict zones" or "unstable areas" depending on the specific situation you are describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

war-torn regions

Specifically refers to areas devastated by war.

conflict zones

Focuses specifically on areas experiencing armed conflict.

crisis zones

Emphasizes the presence of an immediate and dangerous crisis.

unstable areas

Highlights the lack of stability and potential for sudden change.

areas of instability

Similar to "unstable areas" but emphasizes a longer-term condition.

volatile regions

Emphasizes the likelihood of rapid and unpredictable changes, often negative.

areas in turmoil

Focuses on a state of great confusion, disturbance, or uncertainty.

areas of unrest

Focuses on civil disturbances and potential for violence.

distressed areas

Highlights economic hardship and social problems.

economically depressed regions

Specifically highlights economic struggles and lack of prosperity.

FAQs

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

You can use "troubled regions" to describe areas facing significant challenges such as conflict, political instability, or economic hardship. For example: "The aid organization is focusing its efforts on providing assistance to "troubled regions" affected by the recent earthquake."

What are some alternatives to "troubled regions"?

Alternatives include "conflict zones", "unstable areas", or "areas of unrest". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nature of the challenges faced by the region.

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

Yes, "troubled regions" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news reports, academic papers, and business documents. It is a neutral and widely understood term. However, ensure you provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity.

What's the difference between "troubled regions" and "developing countries"?

"Troubled regions" specifically highlights areas facing acute problems like conflict or instability, while "developing countries" refers to nations with lower levels of economic development. A region can be both a "developing country" and a "troubled regions", but the terms emphasize different aspects.