troubling ideas

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "troubling ideas" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concepts or thoughts that cause concern, discomfort, or provoke critical thinking. Example: "The article presented several troubling ideas about the future of technology and its impact on society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Political and social discourse

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The case is entangled with a number of troubling ideas about science, identity, and class in this country.

The New Yorker

She seems to lean on one side of the scales at this point, but that hardly matters in a novel so animated with fascinating, troubling ideas.

The Guardian - Books

Rowling has said the film series will end in 1945, with the second world war coinciding with the defeat of the wizard Grindelwald – who Potter readers will remember has troubling ideas about wizarding superiority over non-magical humans.

The Guardian - Books

Moshfegh has said before that "most people who pick up a book labelled 'thriller' or 'mystery' may not be expecting to confront troubling ideas about women in society … I couldn't be like, Here's my freak book … So I've disguised the ugly truth in a kind of spiffy noir package".

The Guardian - Books

For the play, which opened last night at the Culture Project as part of the Impact Festival focusing on themes of political and social currency, is a dismaying muddle that fails to illuminate any of the troubling ideas at its core.

The New York Times

We just inaugurated a president whose administration has deeply troubling ideas about Islam.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

This is an odd and troubling idea for us.

The New Yorker

Mr. Wampach played up this troubling idea of passivity by presiding over a false intermission, handing out drinks and popcorn with well calibrated ennui.

The New York Times - Arts

A more troubling idea the catwalk proposed is that one might want to wear shorts with a pair of socks yanked up.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's a troubling idea, and one I would rather not dwell on now, which is why I'm excited to turn on "Cops and Robbersons" and watch it until my brain rots.

The New York Times - Magazine

But that is a troubling idea, suggesting that fascism can be linked with repressed homosexual desire, particularly when Bertolucci adds that it is only at this moment that Clerici truly understands who he is and why he was a fascist.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "troubling ideas" to introduce complex concepts that require critical examination. It sets a tone that encourages careful consideration and nuanced discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "troubling ideas" when simpler, more direct adjectives like "bad" or "incorrect" would suffice. Save the phrase for situations where the ideas are genuinely complex and raise significant ethical or intellectual concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "troubling ideas" functions as an adjective-noun phrase, where 'troubling' modifies 'ideas'. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it typically introduces concepts that cause concern or require careful consideration. It is suitable for formal and serious contexts, often found in analytical or critical discussions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Books

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "troubling ideas" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote concepts that provoke concern, demand critical examination, or present ethical questions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in formal and informal writing, although overuse in simplistic scenarios should be avoided. The phrase is commonly found in news media and book reviews, signalling a need for nuanced discussion. Alternatives such as "concerning notions" or "disturbing thoughts" can be used to adjust the specific nuance. When writing, use "troubling ideas" to introduce complex and serious concepts to encourage careful thought, while being mindful of the potential for overstatement. The phrase is suitable for academic, journalistic, and professional contexts, making it a versatile tool for analytical and critical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concerning notions

Replaces "troubling" with "concerning" and "ideas" with "notions", both suggesting worry but with slightly different connotations.

worrying concepts

Uses "worrying" instead of "troubling" emphasizing anxiety and concern about the concepts.

disturbing thoughts

Substitutes "troubling" with "disturbing" which can suggest a stronger sense of unease or alarm.

alarming beliefs

Replaces "troubling" with "alarming" to highlight the potential danger or urgency associated with the beliefs.

disquieting perspectives

Changes "troubling" to "disquieting", suggesting a subtle but pervasive sense of unease and replaces "ideas" with "perspectives".

problematic viewpoints

Uses "problematic" instead of "troubling" to indicate that the viewpoints present difficulties or challenges.

unsettling concepts

Employs "unsettling" to convey a sense of disruption or instability caused by the concepts.

disconcerting beliefs

Substitutes "troubling" with "disconcerting", highlighting the confusion or disorientation the beliefs may cause.

vexing thoughts

Replaces "troubling" with "vexing" to emphasize the annoyance or frustration associated with the thoughts.

awkward concepts

Changes "troubling" to "awkward" suggesting the concepts are uncomfortable or difficult to deal with.

FAQs

How can I use "troubling ideas" in a sentence?

You can use "troubling ideas" to describe concepts that are concerning or unsettling. For example, "The report highlighted several "troubling ideas" about the future of work".

What are some alternatives to "troubling ideas"?

Alternatives include "concerning notions", "worrying concepts", or "disturbing thoughts", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "troubling ideas"?

Use "troubling ideas" when discussing concepts that provoke critical thinking or raise ethical questions. It's suitable for serious discussions where the implications of the ideas are significant.

Is "troubling ideas" formal or informal?

"Troubling ideas" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more appropriate for analytical or critical discussions rather than casual conversation.