troubled relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

"troubled relationship" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship that is experiencing difficulties or problems. Example: "Their troubled relationship was evident to anyone who spent time with them, as they often argued and seemed distant from each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Last letter to save a troubled relationship?

The New Yorker

Their troubled relationship makes compelling viewing.

The Guardian

Spieth's recently troubled relationship with this venue continued.

The Guardian - Sport

This is C.K.'s rebuke of his father, with whom he has a troubled relationship.

The New Yorker

We are not the only neighbors in the world who have a troubled relationship.

The New York Times

Certainly the founders' public statements strongly hint towards a troubled relationship with literacy.

TechCrunch

Worse still has been the psychological dependency that has grown from this troubled relationship.

Forbes

Last week I published a piece on Broadway's troubled relationship with race.

Forbes

Behind the requisite tributes to Richard Holbrooke from Afghan leaders lay a very troubled relationship.

BBC

Namely, her parents' troubled relationship and her mother's suicide.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Their sometimes-troubled relationship lasted more than 40 years.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "troubled relationship" when the issues are ongoing and causing significant distress. For a one-time disagreement, consider a less severe description.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid relying solely on the phrase "troubled relationship". Opt for more precise language that directly addresses the nature of the conflict, such as "strained alliance" or "disrupted partnership", for clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "troubled relationship" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "troubled" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "relationship". According to Ludwig, it is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "troubled relationship" effectively describes a connection facing difficulties, and is classified as grammatically correct and commonly used. Ludwig examples show it being used across News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources. Its frequency suggests it is a common term for describing strained connections. When using the term, consider specifying the nature of the troubles for increased clarity and precision. Alternatives include "strained relationship" or "difficult relationship". As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is generally accepted in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Strained relationship

Focuses on the tension and difficulty in the relationship.

Difficult relationship

Highlights the challenges and hardships experienced in the relationship.

Problematic relationship

Emphasizes the existence of specific issues causing concern.

Tumultuous relationship

Suggests a relationship filled with conflict, disorder, and strong emotions.

Unstable relationship

Indicates a lack of security and consistency within the relationship.

Dysfunctional relationship

Points to impaired or abnormal interactions and behaviors within the relationship.

Conflict-ridden relationship

Directly highlights the presence of frequent disputes and disagreements.

Challenging relationship

Similar to "difficult relationship", but may also imply potential for growth.

Volatile relationship

Highlights the unpredictable and potentially explosive nature of the relationship.

Stormy relationship

Implies frequent emotional outbursts and turbulent periods.

FAQs

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

You can use "troubled relationship" to describe any relationship experiencing significant difficulties. For example: "Their troubled relationship was affecting their work performance".

What are some alternatives to "troubled relationship"?

Alternatives include "strained relationship", "difficult relationship", or "tumultuous relationship", depending on the specific nature of the issues.

Which is correct: "troubled relationship" or "difficult relationship"?

Both "troubled relationship" and "difficult relationship" are correct, but they convey slightly different nuances. "Troubled" suggests a deeper, more persistent issue, while "difficult" may refer to a more manageable challenge.

What's the difference between a "troubled relationship" and a "strained relationship"?

A "troubled relationship" generally implies significant and persistent problems. A "strained relationship" suggests tension and difficulty, but not necessarily as severe or long-lasting as a troubled one.