troublesome thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "troublesome thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an issue or situation that causes difficulty or annoyance. Example: "The troublesome thing about this project is the lack of clear communication among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"This troublesome thing.

The New Yorker

The only really disruptive and troublesome thing a budding rebel can do is to disconnect entirely.

The Guardian

The second most troublesome thing, according to the poll, was the excessive amount of office space that all the plans included.

The New Yorker

"The most troublesome thing is harmful rumours and the psychological effect [on consumers] as a result of radiation concerns," says Kaoru Yosano, the economy minister.

The Economist

THE troublesome thing about all this, of course, is that the pointed views that are being watered down for a wider public acceptance were the very thing that probably got these people noticed in the first place as candidates for the posts they are seeking.

The New York Times

Good humor reigns, as in Margaret Mahy's strategy with a "remarkably light" sister ("It's a troublesome thing, / but we tie her with string, / and we use her instead of a kite") and Michael Flanders and Donald Swann's "Mud," with its exuberant illustration of gleeful splashing.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Indeed, many point to kotonakareshugi, a word that means willfully ignoring troublesome things.

The New York Times

To deny the UK housing crisis is increasingly to reveal your incontrovertible idiocy, a wilful refusal to be bothered by such troublesome things as facts.

The Guardian

We've been there for each other through good times and bad, and having kids is something that really binds you together; we'll talk to each other about troublesome things, like what to do with a kid who doesn't sleep.

Independent

There's one brilliant bit which resonated massively for me, where she says one of the deep, troublesome things about being a woman is that your creative fertility starts peaking in your mid-thirties, where people start taking you seriously as a writer or an actress or whatever, when just at the same time your fertility goes the other way.

Independent

If keeping a marriage together boils down to this kind of arrangement, perhaps monogamy is indeed a troublesome thing---unnatural at best, and a marriage-wrecker at worst.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "troublesome thing" to describe a specific issue or element that is causing problems or difficulties, particularly when you want to downplay the severity or add a touch of understatement.

Common error

While "troublesome thing" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound dismissive. In professional or academic settings, opt for more precise and impactful alternatives such as "problematic issue" or "significant challenge".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "troublesome thing" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "troublesome" modifies the noun "thing". Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It commonly refers to a situation, issue, or object causing difficulty or annoyance, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "troublesome thing" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that functions as a noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's primarily used to describe a source of difficulty or annoyance. The phrase's register is generally neutral, fitting well in news and media contexts. Ludwig's analysis reveals that while acceptable, more formal or emphatic situations could call for alternatives. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey, with sources like The New York Times and The Guardian using the phrase across their publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

problematic matter

Focuses on the issue being a problem rather than just troublesome.

difficult issue

Emphasizes the difficulty aspect of the problem.

challenging situation

Highlights the challenging nature of the circumstances.

awkward business

Suggests a slightly uncomfortable or socially difficult aspect.

vexing predicament

Implies a frustrating and confusing situation.

thorny subject

Indicates a sensitive or controversial topic.

unpleasant affair

Highlights the disagreeable nature of the situation.

irksome detail

Focuses on a specific, annoying aspect.

delicate subject

Emphasizes the need for careful handling.

complicated matter

Focuses on the complex nature of the problem.

FAQs

How can I use "troublesome thing" in a sentence?

You can use "troublesome thing" to refer to something causing problems or annoyance. For instance, "The most "troublesome thing" about this project is the constant miscommunication".

What are some alternatives to "troublesome thing"?

Alternatives include "problematic matter", "difficult issue", or "challenging situation". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "troublesome thing" formal or informal?

"Troublesome thing" leans towards the neutral side. It's suitable for general conversation and news reporting, but more formal contexts may benefit from alternatives with clearer and stronger connotations, like "complex problem".

When should I avoid using "troublesome thing"?

Avoid using "troublesome thing" when you need to emphasize the severity of the issue. In those cases, stronger terms such as "serious problem" or "critical issue" are more appropriate.