troublesome to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "troublesome to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes difficulty or annoyance to someone or something. Example: "The new regulations have proven to be quite troublesome to small business owners trying to comply."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Contingent rights are also troublesome to negotiate.

The New York Times

"They're troublesome to work with," she said.

The New York Times - Food

They are troublesome to guard and must be fed.

The New York Times

Pike can be very good, though troublesome to prepare.

The Guardian

"That is fairly troublesome to me," he said.

The New Yorker

It's potentially troublesome to discuss poverty in such a setting.

The New York Times - Travel

The ghost in the machine is troublesome to exorcise.

The Guardian - Books

"My independence was troublesome" to some lawmakers, Dr. Wilensky said.

The New York Times

I think entrepreneurial people can be very troublesome to certain organizations if they're constantly disrupting processes.

The New York Times

That was why it was initially exciting and eventually rather troublesome to behold.

The New York Times - Arts

One driver suggested that the partitions might be troublesome to drivers who suffered from claustrophobia.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "troublesome to", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. If you want to emphasize difficulty, "difficult for" might be more appropriate. If you want to emphasize annoyance, "annoying for" may be a better fit.

Common error

While "troublesome to" is acceptable, it can sound slightly informal in highly formal or academic contexts. Consider using more precise language, such as "problematic for" or "challenging for", to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "troublesome to" is to act as an adjective phrase that describes something that causes problems or difficulties for someone or something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and readily usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "troublesome to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that describes something causing difficulty or annoyance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is valid. While versatile, ranging from news reports to scientific papers, remember to select synonyms like "difficult for" or "problematic for" depending on the context and desired nuance. Consider the level of formality required for your writing and adjust accordingly. By understanding its nuances, you can employ "troublesome to" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult for

This alternative focuses on the difficulty something presents, rather than the annoyance or burden.

problematic for

This suggests that something presents a problem that needs to be resolved, not just an inconvenience.

inconvenient for

This phrase emphasizes the lack of convenience caused by something.

annoying for

This focuses on the irritation caused by something, rather than the practical difficulties.

challenging for

This highlights the demand for effort and skill to overcome an obstacle.

awkward for

This suggests something causes discomfort or embarrassment.

cumbersome for

This focuses on the unwieldiness or difficulty in handling something.

burdensome for

This emphasizes the weight or obligation that something places on someone.

vexing for

This implies a state of being worried or frustrated.

irksome for

This suggests a minor but persistent annoyance.

FAQs

What does "troublesome to" mean?

The phrase "troublesome to" means causing difficulty, annoyance, or inconvenience to someone or something.

What can I say instead of "troublesome to"?

You can use alternatives like "difficult for", "problematic for", or "inconvenient for" depending on the specific context.

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

Here's an example: "The new software update has been "troublesome to" many users because of its bugs."

Is "troublesome to" formal or informal?

The phrase "troublesome to" is generally considered neutral, but using a more precise or formal alternative might be preferable in academic or professional writing. Try using phrases like "challenging for" or "problematic for" in those cases.