troubling matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "troubling matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a situation or issue that causes concern or distress. Example: "The report highlighted a troubling matter that required immediate attention from the management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The rape-kit controversy is a troubling matter.

The New York Times

It is up to you, as the public editor, to look into this troubling matter.

The New York Times

There's also the troubling matter of another dead woman whose battered corpse has shown up in a seedy part of town.

The Guardian - Books

Moved only by generous, noble sentiments, she has a near angelic, that is, archetypically feminine, temperament - except for the troubling matter of her uncommon intelligence, her frankness, her want of "pliability".

The Guardian

"[The CIA] knowingly provided inaccurate information to the committee in the present day, which is a serious offence and a deeply troubling matter for the committee, the Congress, the White House and our country," said Udall.

The Guardian

The episode marks the latest troubling matter for a fighter who seemed at the top of his game in January 2015, when he defeated Cormier by unanimous decision.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Ms. Herzog's handling of this troubling subject matter is gentle, probing and unfailingly honest.

The New York Times

His shot-for-shot approach, however, resists the trend of watering down or familiarising troubling subject matter.

The Guardian - Film

Never mention troubling matters like global commodity cycles.

The Guardian

Murder charges aren't brought lightly, and troubling matters had arisen in pre-trial hearings.

The New Yorker

Among the most troubling matters was the fate of the Barcelona chairs, whose "corners are basically razor blades," Mr. Cheng said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "troubling matter", ensure the context clearly indicates the source of the concern. Be specific about why the matter is troubling to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "troubling matter" in casual conversation or informal writing. It's generally more appropriate for formal reports, news articles, or professional communications. Simpler alternatives might be more suitable in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "troubling matter" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It is considered a single semantic unit where "troubling" modifies "matter", indicating a cause for concern. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in describing specific issues that warrant attention.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "troubling matter" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, typically employed to denote a situation or issue causing concern or distress. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and suggests alternatives like "concerning issue" or "worrisome situation". While not overly common, it is prevalent in news, formal business, and some scientific contexts. When using this phrase, consider specifying the source of concern to enhance clarity. The phrase's formality makes it less suitable for casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Worrisome matter

Directly expresses concern and anxiety about the situation.

Concerning issue

A more general and slightly less intense way to describe a problem.

Troublesome matter

Highlights the inconvenience and difficulty caused by the issue, slightly more informal.

Unsettling matter

Highlights the disturbing or disquieting nature of the issue.

Problematic matter

Emphasizes the presence of issues needing resolution, slightly more direct than "troubling matter".

Serious matter

Emphasizes the gravity and importance of the issue, focusing on its potential consequences.

Uncomfortable matter

Focuses on the feeling of unease or awkwardness associated with the issue.

Alarming matter

Suggests a higher level of urgency and potential danger.

Disruptive matter

Highlights the interference caused by the issue, focusing on its impact.

Ominous matter

Suggests a threatening or foreboding aspect of the issue, implying potential negative outcomes.

FAQs

What does "troubling matter" mean?

A "troubling matter" refers to an issue or situation that causes concern, worry, or unease. It implies that there are aspects of the matter that are problematic or disturbing.

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

You can use "troubling matter" to describe something that is causing concern. For example: "The investigation revealed a "troubling matter" that requires immediate attention."

What can I say instead of "troubling matter"?

You can use alternatives like "concerning issue", "worrisome situation", or "problematic area" depending on the context.

Is "troubling matter" formal or informal?

"Troubling matter" is generally considered a more formal phrase, suitable for professional or academic writing. In informal settings, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.